tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82763442517439821542024-03-05T14:36:50.734-05:00Detroit Lions Fan 1979This Blog is...
Where people can use the words intelligent, analysis, and Detroit Lions together without being laughed at. Provides Detroit Lions news, analysis, and opinion.
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DetFan1979 is the author of Roar of the Lions. An avid Lions fan, I enjoy intelligent, thoughtful analysis of anything Lions related.
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DetFan1979@yahoo.com or detfan1979@gmail.comDetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.comBlogger624125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-28016457816923538962019-10-03T00:34:00.004-04:002019-10-03T21:39:38.607-04:00Comparing 2009 to 2019 - The Roster, Then and Now<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">I decided what the heck, lets take a look back at 2009 then - and now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><a href="http://detfan1979.blogspot.com/2009/09/mayhews-mayhem-cut-down-weekend-in.html" rel="nofollow" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239, 239, 239); border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">detfan1979.blogspot.com/2009/09/mayhews-mayhem-cut-down-weekend-in.html</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">I'm starting to miss this old blog again sometimes, perhaps a sign things are finally slowing back down for me and I'm in a better place. Also that my joy in the Lions is picking back up again... of course, in 2009 I was happily married with 3 little pink lions, on the beach to start the season. In 2019 I've been a single dad for quite a while now, I have 1 pink, 1 blue, and 1 rainbow teenaged lions (one in college now actually, an adult) and </span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">the</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">Ex-Mrs Dfan is no longer in our lives. My new fiance is, and she is an amazing Step-Mom, and a fantastic partner. Regarding the Lions, after wading through the inane moves of one Martin Mayhew's first cut-down day, there is a listing of the final 53 man roster for the 2009 Lions in the post linked above -- I'm mixing it in with the current Lions roster just to highlight how crazy far this team has come.</span><br />
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<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - QB: </span>(3) Stafford, Culpepper, Stanton —</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> Stafford meets Schwartz’s criteria, and has claimed the starting job. Stanton has shown he deserves a shot next season to fight for the </span><a href="http://badnetrat.proboards.com/search/results?what_exact_phrase=[HASH]2&who_only_made_by=0&display_as=0" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239, 239, 239); border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">#2</a><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> spot after solidifying the </span><a href="http://badnetrat.proboards.com/search/results?what_exact_phrase=[HASH]3&who_only_made_by=0&display_as=0" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239, 239, 239); border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">#3</a><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> spot this year.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - QB:</span> (3) Stafford, Blough, Driskel</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> -- more potential here in the backups, and Stafford is a seasoned vet playing some of his best football this season overall. I'll go better based on his experience, but the backup situation is questionable, but are either backup worse that 2009 Daunte Culpepper bad?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - RB: (3) Smith, Morris, and Brown</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> — Cason is gone (for now, he always comes back) and speedy Tristan Davis made it to the practice squad. The Lions will be well covered here in case of injuries.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - RB: (3) Kerryon Johnson, Ty Johnson, and JD McKissic.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> Hard to argue that these guys aren't light-years better the Kevin Smith-Maurice Morris-Aaron Brown combo. Seriously. McKissic would've started in that backfield...</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - FB: (2) Smith and Felton</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> — there was no one else here, and no need for anyone else here. Solid.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - FB: (2) Paul Perkins, Nick Bawden.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> I liked Felton and also felt they didn't utilize him well, which was common with players back in those days. I'm going to say Push at the FB position.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - WR: (5) Johnson, Johnson, Williams, Northcutt, and Figurs</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– Standeford and/or Looker will be there to sign if an injury strikes. Still have a feeling Looker may be back if Northcutt goes down.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - WR: (5) Golladay, Jones, Amendola, Marvin Hall, Travis Fulgham.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> It's hard to say a WR group is better when it doesn't include Calvin Johnson in his prime. However - name one guy behind CJ that could beat out Travis Fulgham even. Anyone? Bueller?</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - TE: (3) Pettigrew, Heller, and Fitzsimmons</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– Gronk was a long shot, and still has potential to make the 53 man vs the practice squad next season if he continues to show improvement. Considering Fitzsimmons’ injury history, if he goes all Dan Campbell (on IR with the Saints) Gronk may see his shot much earlier.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - TE: (3) Jesse James, Hock, Logan Thomas</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> -- Pettigrew was a pretty solid TE that was a good blocker and good pass catcher who was much maligned for being picked too high. But would you take him over Hock? I wouldn't. Jesse James looking good blocking/catching at least as good as Pettigrew ever did. And while Fitz gave his all and more to the Lions, this position group is the the very very solidly better group.</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - OL: (9) Backus, Loper, Raiola, Peterman, Cherilus; backups Jansen, Salaam, Ramirez, Gandy</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– I’m not surprised that they kept so many linemen — with Murtha and Gerberry on the practice squad they retained most of the 2nd string O-Line that looked so good in preseason (as did the starters). The Lions are finally starting to develop this unit. [NOTE: Wow was I delusional about the potential of that OL. Though I've since read the OL coaching of that unit was beyond horrific]</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - OL: (9) Decker, Dahl, Ragnow, Glasgow, Wagner; backups Crosby, Wiggins, Benzschawel, Aboushi</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">. Look, I'd take the Lions current backups and they would be as good as that 2009 OL, if not better. I'm not saying the OL doesn't have its issues, but since when do you see DT's consistently knocking Ragnow anywhere -- much less like the Raiola days?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - DT (4) Hill, Jackson, Cohen, Harris</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> — Darby was cut as expected with his gas tank on “E” and Harris showed about the same as S. Smith on the field, only without the problems off the field. That could be a solid 4 man rotation, and not to forget Flu is listed here as a DE but will see plenty of time in the rotation at both spots.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - DT (4) Snacks, A'Sahwn Robinson, Mike Daniels, Kevin Strong</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> -- harder to compare since the Lions are doing a lot more variety on defense, however.... I like Sammie Lee Hill. He was a good solid role player who would be able to be the 3rd DT on this team. But the other 3? Cohen was a workout warrior, never translated to the field and the other two I can't even remember their first names tbh. No comparison to Snacks and A'Shawn up front, huge upgrade [Note: Yes, we had much better DT with Fairley-Suh combo for a short time in the middle before Mayhew effed up the Donald pick; but looking at where 2009 was until now I don't see how you can say DT is anything but at least twice as good as then...]</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - DE: (5) Avril, White, Hunter, Fluellen, Bryan</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– Bryan was an upgrade over IAF (theoretically) and hopefully will replace a lot of what the team lost when Devries went down. Not a lot of flash, but a solid dependable player. {knocks on log is using as chair around camp fire.}</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - DE: (3) Flowers, Okwara, Hand</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> -- again the different defense, but we've yet to get all these guys healthy at once (or at all). Avril and Fluellen in a 4-3 did have a couple solid seasons. But would you take either one over Hand and Okwara? Flowers is low on sacks but getting good pressure. You had 2 additional DE on the 2009 team and I'd still take just these three over the 5 all day, every day. No comparison.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - LB: (6) Peterson, Foote, Sims; backups Levy, Dizon, Bing</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– Bing is a guy who started to “get it” at LB last year, and really came on this camp and preseason. I liked Follett on ST as a gunner, but Levy and Bing did better as backup LB. If they kept 7 LB, Follett would be on the 53. Depending on how the now-loaded defensive backfield plays out, and how special teams looks, he could see the field yet this year. If not, he should be a solid competitor next season for a 6th or 7th LB spot — and we can only hope that the draft and FA allows the Lions to keep fewer people than the mass in the secondary now.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - LB: (5) Kennard, Davis, Christian Jones, Tavai, Reeves-Maybin.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> Again they have fewer here but more quality. sims, Peterson, Foote would be an upgrade over the 3rd LB Christian Jones. But they'd rarely see the field with how many CB/S the Lions play most of the time. Davis and Kennard are hard to find anything to complain about back there, and Tavai was excellent for a green rookie that we are looking forward to more of. I fell like those 3 in a 4-3 would take at least 2/3 of the starting spots. Reeves-Maybin is a special teams ace. Levy had yet to have his breakout year, and then went on to not a whole lot later. I would find anyone hard pressed to say that LB is not an upgrade to the 2009 squad, if not a significant upgrade.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; max-height: 1e+06px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - CB: (6) Henry, Buchanon, King, James, McCauley and Hobbs</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">– Roberson made a good case to stick, but was injured and hidden on IR for next season. Time to heal, followed by another full offseason should lead to good things if he continues to progress like he did this year. Robinson finally gets the axe, and </span><i style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239, 239, 239); border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">6 is a lot of CB to carry when they are this…caliber. Less bodies, more talent next ifseason anyone??</span></i><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">(edited last line for emphasis - At least I wasn't totally delusional about the roster)</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - CB: (7) Slay, Coleman, Rashaan Melvin, Mike Ford, Dee Virgin, Jamal Agnew, Amani Oruwarlye.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> Raise your hand and fight me if you don't think that Mike Ford and Rashaan Melvin would have been big upgrades at starting CB on that 2009 team. Anyone? Yeah. The secondary has come that far. Amani a more developmental guy and Agnew mostly a returner. Even Dee Virgin would have been an upgrade to the 2009 CB crew IMO. Bottom better and no one even close to Coleman, much less in the same stratosphere as Slay. What would we have given to get one of the top 10, poss top 5 CB in the league back then? Out expectations have sure changed!</span><br />
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<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - S: (4) Delmas, Manuel, Simpson, Pearson</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> — Not a star-studded S position, but hopefully IF… Stu played well for the most part in the preseason, but trading for Simpson bumped him. Likely </span><a href="http://badnetrat.proboards.com/search/results?what_exact_phrase=[HASH]1&who_only_made_by=0&display_as=0" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239, 239, 239); border: 0px; color: #003399; cursor: pointer; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">#1</a><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> on the call list if injury hits.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - S: (6) Diggs, Walker, Wilson, Killebrew, Harris, Moore.</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> Delmas was decent when healthy. But was he better than Wilson, our 3rd S? he was more on pace with Killebrew, who is more a hybrid LB/S and we're talking about the 4th S on the current roster. Now look up there after Delmas. Repent, you always called for Safeties year in, year out, every year. Never argued the importance with you (one of the few things we agree on). The difference here is just profoundly unimaginable... and Harris or Moore would easily beat out any of the 3 guys who were behind Delmas on the depth chart...</span><br />
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<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2009 - ST: (3) LS Muhlbach, P Harris, K Hanson</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> — the only three people who could feel secure throughout training camp, they are also 3 of the best in the biz at their respective positions.</span><br />
<span style="background: 0px 0px rgb(239 , 239 , 239); border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e 06px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">2019 - ST: (3) LS Muhlbach, P Martin, K Prater</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;"> -- I'll still hold to 3 of the best at their position, including the seemingly ageless he of the OCD snapper, most professional specialist in the league in that regard, multi-time probowler. This one is a push, though I think Martin is a better punter than Harris but that is a quibble...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">And there you have it. Night and Day? I don't even think that is a big enough difference... The talent level at every position group is deeper and more talented -- in many cases, not even close. The 2019 Lions depth at OL, LB, DT, DE, S, and CB would all be better than the 2009 starters no question.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">Next time you feel like taking swipes at 2-1-1, look back at that roster we claimed was full of great backups... and realize, yeah it was. WAS. Not anymore. Thank you Mr. Quinn.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">TBH Coaching is a big part as well. Its the bye week lets dive in and discuss!!</span>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-92171265618404808742012-01-28T22:11:00.001-05:002012-01-28T22:11:42.967-05:00Lions Congregation: Reflections<div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Welcome once again to the Lions Congregation! Bloggers from across the Savanna congregate to bring you their thoughts on the Lions. Have a question? Email <a href="mailto:lionscongregation@yahoo.com">lionscongregation@yahoo.com</a></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Al at The Wayne Fontes Experience</u></b></div><div><br></div><b>1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?</b><br><br>I could say it was the win over the Chiefs, as I realized I was watching a playoff contender destroy a 2010 playoff team. I was tempted to say the victory over the Broncos in Denver, just because of the destruction of TEBOW. I could go with one of the ridiculous comeback wins over the Vikings, Cowboys, Panthers and Raiders, and it wouldn't raise anyone's eyebrows. <br><br>But I have to go with the victory over the Chargers, for one reason only. The win clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time in 12 years (though it felt more like 12 decades). The Lions were at home, the offense was clicking, Matthew Stafford was playing the elite QB we all hoped he'd become, the defense had turned things around (for a couple of weeks, anyway) and no one wanted to see them have to win in Green Bay in order to make the playoffs. So going into the game it just felt as if the result was fait accompli. The Lions were going to win.<br><br>Despite the Chargers having a talented team, the game wasn't really in question and the team got to celebrate with a formerly suffering, now deliriously happy, fan base. All was well in the world for a few hours. <br><br>You cannot ask from more than that from a victory.<br><br><b>2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?</b><br><br>3. Late in the Chargers win, Cliff Avril picked off Phillip Rivers and strolled into the end zone from 4 yards out for spectacular pick 6. The leaping, one-handed interception set off a huge celebration, as the score essentially cliched a playoff spot.<br><br>2. My favorite offensive play of the season was Calvin Johnson catching a 6-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford with 39 seconds left against the Raiders, finishing off a beyond clutch 98-yard drive. The hopes and dreams of a playoff season were on the line, and the Lions came through in a way we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. All I could do was channel Vin Scully and say,<i> "I can't believe what I just saw!"</i><br><br>1. This is my favorite play of the season, period. The Lions are in Oakland, up by one with under<a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">0:20</a> left. The Raiders are driving, kicker Sebastian Janikowski is warming up his All-Pro leg on the sidelines. Carson Palmer drops back to pass, and every fan on the planet thinks the Raiders will drive deep enough into Lions' territory to give Janikowski a very reasonable shot at a game winning field goal. In Jankowski's case, anything within 55 yards can be considered reasonable. <br><br>But Avril roars in from left end, drops an axe handle on the quarterback (nearly forcing a fumble) and sacks Palmer with <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">0:13</a> on the clock. The Raiders run one more play (an incomplete pass) and ultimately settle for a 65 yard field goal attempt, which Ndamukong Suh blocks. Lions win, have a 9-5 record and get an inside track on a playoff spot! <br><br>If Avril doesn't sack Palmer, all sort of bad things happen. Janikowski is likely trying a kick that's at least 10 yards shorter. He doesn't have to drill the ball low to get max distance, making it that much harder to block. With that in mind, odds are he makes the kick, beating the Lions. How does the season plays out if the Lions don't win the game? I'm thinking the season just may have ended badly. But it didn't, much in thanks Avril's game saving sack<div><br></div><div><b><u>NetRat at NetRat Detroit Lions Blog</u></b></div><div><br></div><b>1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?</b><div><font><br></font></div><div><font>1. I enjoyed all the Lions games this year. My favorite though has to be Christmas Eve against the Chargers when they sealed their playoff spot. Good opponent, pressures on, and the Lions win the game playing hard. Bodes well for the future.</font></div><div> </div><b>2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?</b><div><br></div><div><font>2. My 3 favorite plays? Holy cow, that's not an easy question. Avril's TD was definitely one of them. Suh just barely getting a piece of the attempted field goal at the end of the Oakland game to save the win (and prevent a record setting field goal for distance) is another. The rest are all a blur... so many to choose from. Stafford shattered the TD record by any Lions QB ever, CJ and Pettigrew broke records too, then there's the comebacks and the total destruction of the Bronco's... my 3rd favorite play then has to be a tie between roughly 231 other plays.</font></div></div><div><font><br></font></div><div><font><b><u>Blades Boyd, ROTL Contributor</u></b></font></div><div><font><br></font></div><b>1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?</b><div><font><br></font></div>With so many great games this, I'm going to go out of the box here a little and say it was the second Vikings-Lions matchup played at Ford Field. This game had everything from int's returned for TD's, sacks and big plays. But the real reason I choose this game is because it was when I finally began to accept this isn't the "same old lions." Everything about this game was hinting the lions would blow the big lead and when the Vikes were marching at the end of the game, I was 100% sure the Lions would blow it. When the Lions stopped them and won that game, I had this immense feeling of relief and joy. I was finally able to say, "maybe these aren't the same old Lions!!!" <br><span></span><br><b>2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?</b><br><br><span>2. #3- Bobby Carpenter's pick 6 vs Dallas. Just an unreal play. </span><br><span></span><br><span> #2- Titus Young diving grab against the Chiefs. A play that most people might overlook but it was on a 3rd and 24, and Stafford threw a rope to Young who made a diving catch in double coverage for the first down. In only his second game, you could see the potential. I can't wait to see this kid in another two years. He's going to be a good one if he keeps his head on straight.</span><br><span></span><br> #1. Calvin Johnson's catch against Dallas. Don't think I need to say much else.<div><span></span></div></div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Joshua, DetFan1979 of ROTL</u></b></div><div><br></div><b>1. What was your favorite game of the season to watch?</b><div><br></div><div>There were so many outstanding games this season that I had a very hard time deciding. There was more exceptional Detroit Lions Football played this season than in the last decade! I guess, in the end I'll have to go with the Chiefs game early in the season. </div><div><br></div><div>Thinking back to the end of the infamous 0-16 season (0-whatever according to Leslie Frazier) many fans, myself included were calling for Scott Pioli to "save" the franchise. It was sweet, then, to see the Lions rip apart an inferior opponent -- and knowing that it was the Lions on the path to a future of sustained playoff appearances while the Chiefs were heading back to the drawing board. How many times had I seen this before -- only it was always the Lions on the losing end. Not. Any. More. </div><div><br></div><div>It was a great feeling. </div><div><div><span></span></div><div><br></div><b>2. What were your 3 favorite plays of the season?</b></div></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>Three? Just three? After this season? Talk about Herculean. </div><div><br></div><div>#3. Jahvid Best 88 yard touchdown run versus Chicago. After how many times I've seen plays like that break open a game against the Lions it was beyond satisfying to see the Lions do it for a change. </div><div><br></div><div>#2. Bobby Carpenter pick-6 versus Dallas. It was an amazing play just to get the pick, but what was just as impressive was how the rest of the defense suddenly came alive and blocked down on the offense, opening the lane into the end zone. It was my favorite comeback win of the season (and there were plenty)</div><div><br></div><div>#1. Calvin Johnson's final second TD catch in the Oakland game. It wasn't so much the play itself as what it embodied. A surgical, determined comeback with time speeding away on the play clock - and closing the deal. This was no Marcus Pollard slide for a non-TD and yet another moral victory. It was Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson for the win -- and a preview of the bright future of the best WR in football catching passes from one of the best young QB's in the game. And they are both Detroit Lions!</div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Conclusion</u></b></div><div><br></div><div>Thank you once again for joining the Lions Congregation! Normally appearing every Friday this week was late because someone forgot to hit the publish button. See you again on Friday!!</div><div><span></span></div></div><div><span></span></div>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-43390605193119879472012-01-13T22:17:00.000-05:002012-01-13T22:17:05.540-05:00Lions Congregation: Playoff Wrap Up<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since we have a whole ifseason ahead of us to look back, the congregation is this week taking a look at a couple of questions that kept cropping up about the playoff loss to New Orleans. Then, we debate reader J. Berger's question of who is our 2011 Lions MVP. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those new to this page, the Lions Congregation is a collection of Lions Bloggers (some past, some present) from around the web looking at issues and questions about our Detroit Lions - each from their own unique perspective. Have a question or topic? Email <a href="mailto:lionscongregation@yahoo.com" target="_blank">the Lions Congregation!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>The Panel:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Al of <a href="http://www.waynefontes.com/" target="_blank">The Wayne Fontes Experience</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NetRat of The<a href="http://www.thenetrat.com/" target="_blank"> NetRat Detroit Lions site</a> and blog (also our resident capologist)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Zac of The<a href="http://www.sidelionreport.com/" target="_blank"> Sidelion Report</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jeff - Special Guest and founder of the Lions Congregation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Blades Boyd - founding member and resident contrarian at Roar of the Lions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Joshua aka DetFan1979 - Your humble host at<a href="http://www.detfan1979.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Roar of the Lions</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to some readers who indicated that the congregation answers ran together too easily, I am going to give each author their own section with all three of their answers lumped together this week, versus gathering all the panelists' responses by question. Please let me know which format you prefer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Al of <a href="http://www.waynefontes.com/" target="_blank">The Wayne Fontes Experience</a></span></b> </span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</span></strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not going to get on Schwartz's case over the use/non-use of challenges. Why? Because the whole damn replay system is broken. Hell, the rules are broken to the point where I don't know what is or isn't a fumble or a touchdown any more. </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326507256158224" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326507256158224" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How an NFL head coach can and can't use challenges is ridiculous. A play called a touchdown receives an automatic booth review. If the same play isn't called a touchdown, it can't be reviewed without a challenge. Uh...WHAT? That is rule making at it's most, well, idiotic.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NFL coaches shouldn't have to depend upon the whims of the TV networks in order to get a good enough view to determine if a challenge is a good idea. And that's just what happened, especially on the worst spot ever. The refs kept the game moving, not allowing Schwartz time to make an informed decision...or even an educated guess.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Say the play in question was the Saints getting a 1st down, but Schwartz challenging what was a correct spot despite not having concrete evidence to the contrary. We'd be getting out the torches and pitchforks. Do you really want the head coach in a playoff game making half-assed challenges?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone saying Schwartz should have thrown the challenge flag isn't being fair. On the 2 plays mentioned, Schwartz was caught between a rock and a hard place. The rock being a specious challenge system and the hard place incompetent refereeing.<br />
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</strong></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When the play first happened, I was damned upset. How the Saints would have played when 21-7 down would have differed compared to 14-7. The Saints would have been back on their heels. But thinking about it, I don't think the Lions win even if they were given the TD. The Saints are that damn good. The score would have looked a little better in the history books, nothing more. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I'm going to throw blame around <em>(and why the Hell not?)</em>, once again fingers must be pointed at incompetent refereeing. Why the whistle was blown is beyond me. You would think referees would not blow a play dead if there is any chance the ball could still be in play. In this case, it was cut and dry. There was a very good possibility the ball was live. Yet the refs still blew it...the whistle and the ruling.<br />
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">3. Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</strong></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stephen Tulloch is unquestionably the defensive MVP. The Lions best get him signed to a multi-year deal, post haste. But I digress...</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326507256158220" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326507256158220" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To answer the question; as good as Megatron was, and he was great, Matthew Stafford was better. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, Calvin Johnson's numbers were All-Pro worthy. But Stafford's numbers were at historic levels. Levels we couldn't have imagined, let alone seen, as Lions fans. Stafford shattered every Lions' single season passing record. He became only the 4th quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 5000 yards. Don't forget leading 4 comebacks from 13 or more points down, something which has never been done in NFL history. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lions made the playoffs because Stafford played at an elite level. Period. If he doesn't, the Lions aren't in </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New Orleans last weekend. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give Matthew Stafford the team MVP. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">NetRat of The</span><a href="http://www.thenetrat.com/" target="_blank"> NetRat Detroit Lions site</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> and blog</span></b> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these? </span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know who is in charge of telling the coaching staff to challenge, I assume there is someone who's job it is to quickly check the play for that kind of thing. We get the benefit of super slow-mo replay and hindsight (as we dwell on things) but with whatever tools the Lions have they might've been unsure at the time if a challenge was winnable or they might have been saving them for something really big later (if needed). As for the forward progress thing, at the time I thought first down... it was only later that I heard it might not have been. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</b> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The inadvertent whistle was par for the year in officiating. The Lions were lucky to get possession at all (and then did nothing with it). I've seen them whistle a play dead and not allow the turnover. The officiating that affected the game the most were the non-calls on holding by the O-Lines. When your entire defense is predicated on interior pass rush and the OLine can hold as much as they want you have effectively disabled the defense and made it useless. Letting the players play backfired for the Lions in that game. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</b> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My vote for the 2011 Lions MVP is <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1326508402_0">Matt Stafford</span>. Broke the Lions yardage record, TD record, passing attempts record and pass completions record... and is only the 4th QB in the history of the NFL to reach 5,000 yards in a single season. The Lions have been around a long time and this was a serious uptick in the record books. This record may or may not ever be broken, but if it is, it'll probably be by Matt Stafford (in some future year). </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Zac of The</span><a href="http://www.sidelionreport.com/" target="_blank"> Sidelion Report</a></span></b> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</span></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Since each team get's two maybe it would have been worth challenging either of those plays but I think they would have been low percentage challenges. Certain things have a tendency to be overblown in the wake of a loss and I think that is the case here. With the recent challenge history in mind (Green Bay), I can see why Schwartz would want to hold on to the red flag rather than taking a low percentage flier on a play in the middle of the field.</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</b> </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269"><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757269" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-The fan in me hated seeing that opportunity lost as a result of an inadvertent whistle but I don't believe a fumble return for a touchdown would have changed the outcome of the game. There are just too many things the Lions did poorly that they did have control over to lay much blame on the officials; namely, the defense's inability to force a punt. The possibility that it would have changed the tone of the game only holds water if one believes the defense could have gotten a few stops and the Lions could have run the ball effectively. There was no evidence in that game to suggest that either would have happened.</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</b> </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-It's easily Matthew Stafford. Of the three I immediately boil it down to a choice between Stafford and Johnson and decided based on the "V" in MVP. While Megatron was certainly valuable in terms of the success of the offense, it was Stafford who had the noticeable statistical disparity between wins and losses. To me, the definition of "valuable" ultimately comes down to wins and losses and there was no Lion whose performance determined wins and losses more than Matthew Stafford. Considering the Lions won more than they lost, Stafford gets the nod as team MVP. </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Jeff - Special Guest and founder of the Lions Congregation</span></b></span> </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284" style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1326508404757284"><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Yes, both of those plays should have been challenged. The Brees first down called back could have been a momentum changer for us. I know he only had two flags but could have used on there for sure.<div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Huge impact. Lions would have scored on that play, putting them up 21-7. Another momentum changer that could have won us the game. The overall officiating this season was abysmal, many bad calls, no calls and the refs looked like they didn’t know all the rules all season. Didn’t help with the image the Lions were starting to get with the personal fouls and it seemed like they were calling stuff on the Lions and favoring the opposition, not calling same type penalties on them.<div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>I have to go with Stafford. He played exceptionally well, garnering over 5k yards and setting many Lions records. He definitely played like a franchise QB, just what he was drafted for. Can’t wait to see how improvements made this year helps him in the future. They need to resign CJ badly (PAY THE MAN!) and get other weapons for him. Best and Leshoure coming back and, hopefully, keeping K-Smith will help greatly.<div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Blades Boyd - founding member & resident contrarian </span></b></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;">Let me start by saying even if Schwartz did challenge and win, I don't think it would have mattered. Saints still would have won because they pretty much went for it and got it every time they had a 4th down.</span><br style="color: #454545;" /><br style="color: #454545;" /><span style="color: #454545;">That being said, there is absolutely no doubt those plays should have been challenged and yes Schwartz messes up big time by not doing so. But should he criticized for it??? Not at all. Keep in mind, he's done something that a lot of REALLY good coaches couldn't do (Bobby Ross and Mooch to name a few) and that's get the Lions back to the playoffs and have a winning season. Schwartz will learn from this game and next time, I'm sure you will see a challenge flag tossed on those plays. </span><br style="color: #454545;" /><span style="color: #454545;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;">If any coach needs to be questioned it's Gunther Cunningham. I have not liked his play calling all season and he really got exposed the last few weeks. He blitzed a total of four times in the game which result in the Willie Young forced fumble, one incompletion and one hurry. The rest of the game he sat back and while the Saints were in max protection, Breed just picked them apart. Gunther has really showed his age this season and is beginning to get out of touch with the changing NFL. Unfortunately, he's Schwartz's mentor and will be stuck with him for a while. (I wish they'd go after Steve Spagnola)</span> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;"><b>2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</b></span> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;">Like I said before, I don't think any play had a major impact on the game. Say the lions had an extra 14 points in the game, they still lose. Sorry to be that straight forward about it but it is just that simple.</span> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;"><b>3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</b></span> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #454545;">As good of a season Stafford had, Calvin is the MVP. In my opinion, we probably still would have made the playoffs without Stafford. There isn't a chance we make the playoffs without Calvin. I know some people disagree with me but look at the stats. During the 5-0 run, CJ had a touchdown in every game and close to 100 yards. During the up and down stretch in the middle of the season? Calvin wasn't scoring and was averaging 68.5 yards a game. At the end of the season when we were winning again, he averaged over 100 yards a game and over a TD a game. That in itself proves to me anyway, he should get some votes for league MVP, not just the Lions MVP.</span> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Joshua aka DetFan1979 - Your humble host at<a href="http://www.detfan1979.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Roar of the Lions</a></span></b> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. While many have questioned various aspects of coaching in the game, how about Jim Schwartz and his non-challenges? Specifically, the egregious spot on 3rd and 11, as well as whether Brees was stopped by forward progress since he pulled the ball back on his own - and fumbled it while doing so to boot. Should he have challenged either or both of these?</b> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Based on how the officials were calling the game, I don't think that either call would have been overturned, and obviously neither did Jim Schwartz. The crew calling the game was "letting 'em play" and those calls were just part of it. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will say, that whole attitude cost the Lions ANY chance they had of winning the game against New Orleans. The Saints defense is based around the blitz -- so not calling offensive holding really had little to no impact on how they played the game. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the Lions, however, it was the exact opposite. They count on the skills and aggressiveness of their front four to create pressure on the quarterback. That is impossible if the offensive line is allowed to hold as egregiously as it was in that playoff game. So while the ref's may have been "letting players be players" in this case it created a huge disadvantage for a Lions team that already needed a near perfect game under normal circumstances to pull out a win. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. How much of an impact do you feel the "inadvertent whistle" negating a fumble return TD was both on the tone and final outcome of the game?</b> </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crazy enough, this stupid whistle was the ONE time all game the referees did NOT let the players play it out -- and this is the one time in the game it would have been advantage Lions. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First off, let me be clear: With how the game was being called (see above answer) and how well New Orleans' offense was playing I do not think that this call would have effected the outcome of the game. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do, however, feel that it would have dramatically changed the "story" of the game. Themes coming out of the game are how the Lions didn't turn either turnover into points -- they did, but they were essentially taken away. I also feel the emotional hit to the Lions defense and corresponding scare and then boost to New Orleans is what allowed the Saints to pull away like they did. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the Saints were up by 3 vs 10 later in the game -- or 10 vs 17 -- then Stafford likely doesn't have at least one of the INT's as he was really pressing knowing they didn't have time. I still think they try the onside just the same, and that the Saints win a shoot out -- it just would have been a much closer shootout that would have answered more questions about the Lions and raised more questions about the Saints. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As it was, I haven't seen a defense fielded this season that I truly feel would have been able to stop New Orleans on Saturday. Matthew Stafford was playing at an elite level making some mind boggling throws. Unfortunately, Drew Brees was playing a level above that whatever you want to call it, and some of his throws were enough to make you hit replay about 5 times on the DVR just to be sure what you were seeing happened.<b> </b></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. From J Berger: Who is your 2011 Lions MVP - Stafford, Johnson or Tulloch?</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All three of these players certainly had a huge impact on 2011. The way I look at it is what is the drop-off to that player's backup, and how much would it have effected their win-loss record. While Tulloch defintely filled the middle far better than anyone we've seen in the last 8 years (Paris Lenon anyone?) I feel like maybe a one game swing without him. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Calvin Johnson had one of the truly great seasons for a wide receiver in the NFL ever. Period. However, he was essentially healthy until the last couple of weeks -- when he still put up over 200 yards/game in the finale and playoffs. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This brings me to Stafford. When he was healthy at the start of the season and the end of the season the Lions offense was beyond humming -- it was a finely tuned machine of point scoring on par with Green Bay, New Orleans, and New England. When his finger was broken mid-season, the whole team became more inconsistent. </span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically, as goes Stafford so goes the Lions -- for good or ill. For me, this makes him the MVP even more than his numerous and now well documented records he broke this season. <b> </b></span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wrap-Up</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for joining us once again! The Lions Congregation will be posted Friday evenings once again each week. So join us reading, commenting, or sending us questions to the lionscongregation@yahoo.com -- or hopefully, all three!!</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="yiv894759314MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you agree with the panelists? Disagree? Let us know!</span></div></div></div>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-84742195538171440132012-01-07T19:43:00.000-05:002012-01-07T19:44:07.228-05:00Playoff Food<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwMtb-PuwzgQVVsEygTJt4t9ZbrY4D5x_19IbNCkjXMf98F2Pfd3-2mRTMty0bp-TLrJ7zlExPKh6aacAodtOcIURKCEO_93CUaa4ZyI0qA6W167xRCucqmcyKJtwdcIkaG4TcNX70Hs/s1600/photo-747229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwMtb-PuwzgQVVsEygTJt4t9ZbrY4D5x_19IbNCkjXMf98F2Pfd3-2mRTMty0bp-TLrJ7zlExPKh6aacAodtOcIURKCEO_93CUaa4ZyI0qA6W167xRCucqmcyKJtwdcIkaG4TcNX70Hs/s320/photo-747229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695055543396782546" /></a></p>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-64905586791554970702012-01-07T13:07:00.001-05:002012-01-07T13:07:58.329-05:00The Next Generation<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTssdqQmIexH6SG1sDARgO_Phjwc-qEvYIzYRzJ_GDX-eOTDlKGXdsVcQwVtLSQMSp4qg0MZmic9TA8DoFW6hZxGxM3HM-RyOypdQVMI6v0EQBbh84TuwZKNFtRlB39tcufa7sNWYdflk/s1600/image-778330.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTssdqQmIexH6SG1sDARgO_Phjwc-qEvYIzYRzJ_GDX-eOTDlKGXdsVcQwVtLSQMSp4qg0MZmic9TA8DoFW6hZxGxM3HM-RyOypdQVMI6v0EQBbh84TuwZKNFtRlB39tcufa7sNWYdflk/s320/image-778330.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694953456014613010" /></a></p>> My Nephew, DetFan2011, is also excited for the Detroit Lions playoff game tonight! <br>>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-498661324038090022012-01-06T17:21:00.001-05:002012-01-06T17:21:18.707-05:00Lions Congregation: Inaugural Playoff Edition!<font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <div>Welcome to the return of the Lions Congregation for the Inaugural playoff edition! From the look of things, this could be one of many playoff editions to come in the years ahead! </div> <div> </div> <div>Just like before, Lions Bloggers from around the web gather to discuss your questions about the Detroit Lions. Want to see your question featured? Email <a href="mailto:lionscongregation@yahoo.com"><font color="blue"><u>lionscongregation@yahoo.com</u></font></a></div> <div> </div> <div>Today's Panel:</div> <div> </div> <div>NetRat of <a href="http://www.thenetrat.com/"><font color="blue"><u>The NetRat Detroit Lions</u></font></a> site and <a href="http://thenetrat.blogspot.com/"><font color="blue"><u>blog</u></font></a></div> <div>Zac of <a href="http://sidelionreport.com/"><font color="blue"><u>The Sidelion Report</u></font></a></div> <div>Al of <a href="http://www.waynefontes.com/"><font color="blue"><u>The Wayne Fontes Experience</u></font></a></div> <div>Blades Boyd - resident contrarian for Roar of the Lions</div> <div>Joshua - DetFan1979 of Roar of the Lions</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><b>Question 1: </b><b>Based on the Lions active roster in their meeting versus who should be active and healthy on Saturday, how do you feel the Lions defense will stack up versus the Saints?</b></div> <div> </div> <div><b>NetRat:</b> Better than last time, all things being equal (which they probably aren't). Last time we played New Orleans Chris Houston did not play. Neither did Delmas or Suh. Fairley left after the 1st quarter. IF those guys are all healthy and can play the whole game the Lions defense may be able to get a couple more stops, and that should mean a few more stalled drives (and really, most games, that's all it takes).</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Zac:</b> Any defense is at a disadvantage against the Saints offense. While the Lions look to have the benefit of a healthy defensive roster, their ability to hang with the Saints will come down to execution, not personnel. If the Lions look to wrap up and tackle rather than just hitting then they can limit the damage. This is especially true with Darren Sproles who can turn a minimal gain into something big in a flash.<br> </div> <div><b>Al:</b> First off, I refuse to get overly worked up by Matt Flynn throwing for a gazillion yards, or the media talking heads who claim, "If a backup can throw 6 TDs against Detroit, Brees will throw for 20!" Flynn isn't your typical backup quarterback. He's a good quarterback who happens to be a backup to the best in the NFL. Flynn would start for half the league. What I am worked up about is the lack of a pass rush against Flynn, allowing him to pick apart the Lions' secondary at will. <br> <br> The Lions may be healthier than they've been in weeks, but if there is only a minimal pass rush from the front four, an empty trainer's room won't make a difference. Even if they are fully healthy, I'm not expecting big things from the Lions defense. <br> <br> The Lions may be healthier than they've been in weeks, but if there is only a minimal pass rush from the front four, an empty trainer's room won't make a difference. Even if they are fully healthy, I'm not expecting big things from the Lions defense. <br> <br> All of which is my long-winded way of saying the Lions' chances rest on the shoulders of the defensive line. The front four must have a big game, pressuring Brees in a big way. The Lions aren't going to keep Brees from throwing for 300 yards. Few defenses are capable of it, and the Lions' aren't one of them. But they can minimize the damage by creating turnovers. How do you create turnovers? To channel my inner Al Davis, you must hit the quarterback early, often and hard.<br> <br> After seeing little to no pass rush against the Packers, I'm not confident at all as to how the Lions match up against the Saints high powered offense. <br> <br> It's simple. If the Lions don't win the turnover battle, they won't beat the Saints. The Lions must fluster, or at least annoy Brees, Otherwise, it's going be a long, long evening for Lions fans. <br> </div> <div><b>Blades:</b> I think Schwartz made it perfectly clear who you will being seeing active Saturday night. He mentioned he would not bench any players based on last Sundays game. That being said, with the return of Delmas, I think Alphonso Smith should be worried. <br> </div> <div>The Lions defense shapes up extremely poorly against the Saints offense. The Saints strength is clearly in the passing game and there isn't a single player on the Lions roster who can cover Jimmy Graham or Colston. Also, no lions DB has the speed to run with Moore or Meachem. <br> </div> <div> The other thing that few people are talking about is the Saints have two all pro guards which means they can shift protection to the outside and really stymy the pass rush. I fully expect Gunther to blitz up the middle more than we've seen all season. I expect the saints to double team Suh and single block the other DT with their all pro guard. As a result, the RB's will be protecting to the outside and if the lions blitz up the middle, they will come in unblocked.</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>DetFan1979: </b>The defense will give up points. Make no mistake – this is a meeting of two of the top four offenses in the league and they will both put up some TD’s. The key will be doing what they almost did in their first meeting with the Saints – slow down the Saint’s offense more than they are slowing down the Detroit Offense. </div> <div> </div> <div>Nick Fairley was getting good penetration and disruption before leaving the game with his injured foot – after that is when the Saints started scoring. Seeing as the Lions were down by three linemen that game I expect the pressure to come much stronger, and more consistently than in the first meeting between the teams. </div> <div> </div> <div>As for the secondary, I seriously said the day before the first New Orleans game that with Houston and Delmas out along with the other injuries in our secondary Green Bay should have put up 50 on the Lions – and that Drew Brees should do the same. However, it took a late game icing TD after the Lions had already committed ritual suicide via penalties to salt the game away. </div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div>With everyone relatively healthy (all participated in practice Thursday) I fully expect a better showing from the Lions defense – especially playing motivated after laying an egg last week. Will it be good enough? That’s why they play the games.</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Question 2: </b><b> Based on the Lions active roster in their meeting versus who should be active and healthy on Saturday, how do you feel the Lions Offense will stack up versus the Saints?</b></div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>NetRat: </b>Last time we played New Orleans it was the first game Matt Stafford played without the glove. His confidence probably wasn't real high and his finger probably wasn't fully healed. Meanwhile, Titus Young has started playing better and Pettigrew is being used more. For that matter, CJ is taking on more too lately. Turnovers will decide the game most likely, if they favor the Lions or are equal, it should be a great game (for Lions fans).</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Zac:</b> The Lions offense moved the ball in their first meeting with the Saints and we should expect them to do so again. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson have played their best ball since the first meeting so it will be fun to see what they can do in a rematch, especially if the Lions handle the blitz-happy Saints' pressure. Kevin Smith also figures to be healthier this time around and any explosion he can give them in the running game will be a bonus.</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Al:</b> I expect big things from the offense. Actually, I think it would be more accurate to say I expect big things from Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. <br> <br> Stafford has been a huge roll since removing the glove protecting his broken finger, averaging 383 yards and 3 TDs in the final 5 games. Megatron woke from a mid-season slump (doing little against the Packers, Saints and Vikings)m and is now playing like his dominant self, averaging 187 yards in the season's final 3 games. I don't expect the Saints to slow either of them down. <br> <br> Brandon Pettigrew also needs to play well, and he'll get more than his fair share of opportunities. Stafford loves to throw to his TEs, especially in the red zone (11 TDs combined between Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler) But Pettigrew also has to keep drops to a bare minimum....or don't drop a pass period. The Lions won't have a margin for error in a winner take all situation. They have to capitalize on their opportunities. <br> <br> A healthy Kevin Smith would come in handy as well. He's the closest thing to an impact runner on the Lions' roster. And there will come a time when the Lions will need to keep the Saints' defense honest with the occasional hand off to Smith. As much as I'd like Stafford to throw 70 times a game (all to Megatron), it's not realistic. <br> <br> If the wide outs and TEs play as well have they have in the final quarter of the season, the Lions won't have any trouble scoring points on Saturday. They will move the ball. It's just a matter of capitalizing on their red zone opportunities. <br> </div> <div><b>DetFan1979</b><b>: </b>Matthew Stafford is 100% healthy and playing like it. I mentioned earlier this week how Stafford became one of only four quarterbacks ever to surpass 5000 yards in a season. He accomplished that despite a broken index finger on his throwing hand that obviously hampered him for a solid 4-5 games. As it is, as John Madden used to say incessantly about Brett Favre “It looks like he’s having fun out there.” We all know what that meant – it meant that Brett was making throw after seemingly impossible throw and racking up yards and points in bunches. Imagine how much fun he would have had with Randy Moss on his team?</div> <div> </div> <div>Guess what? That is exactly what Stafford has been doing – only he does have Calvin Johnson. They are both clicking and confident in themselves and each other like they were in the 5 game win streak. Only better. And to add to it Brandon Pettigrew is playing excellent, and Nate Burleson has been taking advantage. </div> <div> </div> <div>The biggest xfactor to me this game for the Lions offense are Kevin Smith and Titus Young. Titus has taken his game to a whole new level since embarrassing himself at New Orleans the first game. As for Smith, he wasn’t healthy for the first New Orleans game. If he is, watch out Gregg Williams because Smith is one of the best in the league when it comes to picking up the blitz and protecting his QB. It has always been a strong point for him, and now he too has been playing better than he ever did in his first go round with the Lions. </div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Question 3:</b><b> How do you feel this mostly young, emotional team will fare under the pressure of a high profile playoff game? (coach Schwartz included)?</b></div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>NetRat: </b><b> </b>The problem with highly emotional young teams is you don't know how they will handle the pressure. The crowd noise is going to be tremendous and that might help make the players forget the pressure somewhat. Raiola is going to really be after the O players to perform (it's his first playoff game in the NFL after all). KVB will do much the same on the D... and Delmas chatters all game long no matter what (the Lions opponents have scored nearly 100 yards less yardage in the games he has played in). Hanson is likely to get a workout but he should be fine. My prediction which I made last Saturday night in my blog is the Lions win this game 30-28, the next day Vegas set the over/under at 58 1/2, which I found scary odd.</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Zac:</b> I see the Lions' biggest problems in this game being between the lines, not between the ears. If we can't have confidence in this team knowing the stakes are high and acting appropriately then we don't have any reason to watch the game on Saturday. It will be up to the leaders with playoff experience (coaches included) to prepare the rest of the differences of playoff football and how to keep the emotions in check.</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> <div><b>Al:</b> The Saints have been to the playoffs before, and won it all. The Lions....well, we know all about their checkered past. <br> <br> So there will be a stupid penalty or three by the Lions. It's a given. It's their nature. But I don't expect to the Lions to embarrass themselves either, unlike we saw go down during their first meeting with the Saints. <br> <br> The Lions realized they were throwing a shot at the playoffs away after their nationally televised back to back mental meltdowns. They have been relatively well behaved since...thank goodness. <br> <br> But I do expect to see the team show some nerves, especially in the 1st quarter. For most of the Lions, it'll be their first exposure playoff pressure. Jitters and butterflies are to be expected. <br> <br> I'm not worried about Jim Schwartz's mental state. He's been in the playoffs before as defensive coordinator with the Titans (6 games in 4 appearances, winning 2), making it to the AFC Championship in 2002. He knows what to expect...though I'm sure he'll be on edge. <br> <br> To be honest, I am still worried the Lions themselves will snap, and do something stupid...like get in a sideline shouting match, throw a punch, shove a ref or stomp on a player. They've kept their emotions in check since their implosion 5 weeks ago. My fear is we'll see another if calls and bounces don't go their way. It's Schwartz's job to prevent it.<br> </div> <div><b>Blades:</b> No matter what happens Saturday night, whether we win by 10 or lose by 30, who cares. Despite what some people thought, this team was expected to go 8-8 and if you asked any lions fan before the season, "Hey, if the season were to end today, would you be happy with an 8-8 record?" Every fan would tell you not only would they be happy with it, they would throw a parade on the streets of Detroit in honor of the Schwartz. This team is still two years away from seriously competing. We need a capable secondary and a little more depth. <br> If you've followed me through the years, you know how critical I am about the Lions. But you won't hear that now. No matter what happens Saturday, WE'RE THE LIONS AND WE'RE IN THE FREAKIN' PLAYOFFS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!! <br> </div> <div><b>DetFan1979: </b>I was really worried about this – until last week at Green Bay. I’m literally half blind and I could have done a better job out there on more than one egregious call. Yet, despite the frustration and the setbacks none of the Lions lost their cool – except Alphonso Smith, who was benched. I’m not sure how many noticed but it wasn’t just that he was gambling, he was not in control of his emotions at all and I think that is also a major reason he got yanked. </div> <div> </div> <div>Ever since coming home from the Superdome last month, this has been a different team. They were thoroughly embarrassed – twice – on national television when it was finally their chance to shine on a big stage and earn respect with their play. Instead, they came off looking like an immature teen puffing out his chest acting like he’s da man. No one likes that feeling. Especially not a professional. </div> <div> </div> <div>I think we’ve all been there at least once in our lives (I know I have!) and you can do one of two things: Pout about it, or man up and do something about it. This young team has shown they chose the second path so far. If they stay on it, I can see this game being really close. </div> <div> </div> <div>Either way, I’m expecting an exciting electrifying game.</div> <div> </div> <div>WRAP UP: Thank you to our participating bloggers, and of course to you our readers. Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and questions in the comments section. Dialogue is one of the most fun aspects of being a blogger. If you would like the whole congregation to address your question, thought, or idea please email <a href="mailto:lionscongregation@yahoo.com"><font color="blue"><u>lionscongregation@yahoo.com</u></font></a> </div> <div> </div> <div>Thank you and enjoy the game!!</div> <div><font size="2"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></font></div> </span></font> DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-32183428190492542742012-01-03T23:03:00.001-05:002012-01-03T23:06:32.682-05:00The Lions are In with the BEST<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the clock strikes 00:00 late Sunday night the end of the regular season comes once again to the National Football League. 20 teams and their fans are left with nothing to do but reflect - What went right? What went wrong? What will come next season? What Free Agents will be signed, who will be the new coach? The new GM? Where do we draft and who will be there?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For 12 years these are questions that as Lions fans, we often started asking in December -- much less waiting until the season was officially over -- it was usually over long before the clock struck 00:00 and the ifseason would begin once again. IF only they do this, then they will have a chance...IF this happens...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But not 2011.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Detroit Lions are one of the 12. You can argue if they belong or not (they do) until you are honolulu blue in the face. The Detroit Lions will play the New Orleans Saints on Saturday -- their first step on the road to the Superbowl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's right. Superbowl. The first step is making the playoffs. The next step is to do what you've done all year: win. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was an historic season for the Lions and Matthew Stafford especially -- even if he did get a pro-bowl snub. what, you're laughing? Don't think the Lions are one of the best? <a href="http://thenetrat.blogspot.com/2012/01/game-16-lions-at-green-bay-packers.html" target="_blank">NetRat compiled this stat that should give any doubting Lions fan pause. </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">All the Lions lost today was their 5th seed spot in the playoffs, they are the 6th seed and are playing toe to toe with the big boys, because even if it's hard for us fans to grasp it, the Lions are now one of the big boys too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Don't believe me? Well, let's take a look at the quarterback passing record... and see where the Lions 23 year old QB is on the list...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. Drew Brees: 5,476 yards in 2011</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2. Tom Brady: 5,235 yards in 2011</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3. Dan Marino: 5,084 yards in 1984</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4. Drew Brees: 5,069 yards in 2008</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">5. Matthew Stafford: 5,038 yards in 2011</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">That's not a typo, that's not a fluke, that's real numbers that are real hard to get unless you are one of the big boys.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
That's right -- Matthew Stafford had the 5th most prolific year by an NFL quarterback in the HISTORY of the NFL. He just happened to do it in a year in which two other QB's (Brees and Brady) set a new number one and two on that list. <br />
<br />
The Lions also make several entries on the <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/kerry_byrne/01/03/2011.season.review/index.html?sct=nfl_t11_a2" target="_blank">Cold Hard Football Fact list of 2011 record</a>s:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2</b> -- 500-yard passing games in the 2011 season: Tom Brady (517) in Week 1 at Miami; Matthew Stafford (520) in Week 17 at Green Bay. NFL quarterbacks topped 500 yards in a game just 10 times from 1920 to 2010.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2</b> -- Passers who topped 5,000 yards through the air in the NFL's first 91 seasons: Dan Marino (5,084) in 1984 and Drew Brees (5,069) in 2008.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3</b> -- Passers who topped 5,000 yards through the air in the 2011 season: Brees (5,476), Brady (5,235) and Stafford (5,038). Eli Manning (4,933) fell just 67 yards of the 5,000-yard milestone, giving the 2011 season four of the six most prolific passing performances in NFL history.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3</b> -- Quarterbacks who topped 40 touchdown passes in 2011: Brees (46), Aaron Rodgers (45) and Stafford (41). Brady fell just one TD shy of joining the list.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> -- Quarterbacks who topped 40 touchdown passes in an NFL season from 1920 to 2010.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1,681</b> -- NFL-best receiving yards by Detroit wideout Calvin Johnson in 2011, No. 7 on the single-season list, and five shy of the franchise record set by Herman Moore in 1995.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Read more: <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/kerry_byrne/01/03/2011.season.review/index.html#ixzz1iSSYdQzJ" style="color: #003399; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/kerry_byrne/01/03/2011.season.review/index.html#ixzz1iSSYdQzJ</a></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Matthew Stafford has shown now that at just 23 years of age he is already moving into the Brady/Brees/Manning/Rodgers of the QB elite. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Over the last 12+ years, I have often heard "you are what your record says you are" while looking for the positives among the ashes of bitter disappointment. Well, to those same naysayers dooming and glooming the Lions' chances in the playoffs the Lions are 10-6. They took control of their own destiny and played their way into the playoffs. Unlike teams like the Bengals and the Broncos, they didn't back their way into the playoffs based on other teams' losses. Detroit earned its spot. Period. Also, lets look at those 6 losses...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">2 were to Green Bay -- one big loss, one close shootout where the last team with the ball won. Green Bay is 15-1 and the #1 seed in the NFC</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 was to the Atlanta Falcons, who also ended up 10-6 and are the #5 seed. That game came down to the wire.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 was to the New Orleans Saints who are 13-3. They are the #4 seed in the playoffs and faced a Lions team that was extremely shorthanded -- and they still held the Saints well below their season scoring average. Stafford also still was wearing gloves to protect his broken finger. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 was to the Chicago Bears who were on a serious playoff run before losing Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, their season doomed by a lack of depth -- especially at the quarterback position. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 was to the 13-3 San Francisco 49ers who won on a do-or-die 4th down play with only a few seconds to go. They are the #2 seed. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So....the Lions lost to the #1 seed twice, the #2 seed, the #3 seed and the #5 seed. They did not play the #4 seed (New York Giants 8-8) but beat Dallas at home earlier in the season. All of the games were competitive or so close that on any given Sunday you could flip a coin to determine the outcome. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I expect from the Lions' playoff game exactly what I saw all season from the Lions: Electrifying, entertaining football being played at a high level -- and hopefully, like 10 of 16 games this season, a win. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go Lions!!!</span></div>DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-74186774673761089912012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-02T10:00:09.021-05:00Hello Playoffs!!What an exciting game on Sunday!! The Lions have not been lacking for electricity this season that is for sure!!!<br />
How many games have come down to the final minute or less? Spectacular!<br />
<br />
10-6<br />
<br />
Forget about whining about the officiating in Green Bay (it was AWFUL) or the Detroit defense (neither defense deserved to win that game -- after all, the final score was 41-45 people!!) -- for the first time since 1999 our Detroit Lions are in the playoffs!!!<br />
<br />
I know many of you will think I just woke up form a sugar coma after eating too much honolulu blue koo-aid and cupcakes but I think that Detroit has a great shot to win against New Orleans on Saturday night!<br />
<br />
Not only did the Green Bay offense show it can roll no matter who is under center, so too did the Detroit offense show that it can hang with Green Bay score for score. Lets not forget that Stafford ALSO topped 5,000 yards this season along with Brees and Brady. <br />
<br />
The reason many pundits have said that New Orleans was the team to beat Green Bay in the playoffs is that Drew Brees and the Saints offense is the only group that could expect to possibly win a shootout with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense. At this point, how do you not seriously have to put Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson (244 yards against the Pack) and the Lions offense into that group?<br />
<br />
As for the "liability" of the Lions defense? That is one thing all three of NFC's gun-slinging teams share -- or should I say lack?<br />
<br />
Even when the Lions were losing games (or all the games) I have maintained that it wasn't about the wining (though I really prefer it!) It was about being able to watch entertaining, exciting football and have fun as a fan. On that score the Lions have already delivered by far the best season of football I've seen since Barry was in a Lions uniform on the field. <br />
<br />
Happy New Year!!DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-38669744020348836862011-12-30T17:04:00.000-05:002011-12-30T17:04:44.858-05:00Time to Cut the Cheese and Seeding MythsI'm not talking about silent but deadly in the headline -- I am of course referring to the Green Bay Packers! Despite those calling for rest, I think the Lions need to go all out to beat the Pack at Lambeau for the first time in 20 years for a variety of reasons. <br />
<br />
1. The Fifth seed is preferrable to the Sixth seed at this point (though I'll explain below how I don't think its as big a deal as everyone is stating)<br />
2. The team, already on a year of breaking records (in a good way for once) would do well to take this opportunity to end the Lambeau curse. As long as Aaron Rodgers is doing the discount double check, Green Bay at Green Bay is never going to be an easier game than this week. <br />
3. Momentum. All of the low seeds that have made Superbowl runs have one thing in common: they played all out their final few games of the regular season and rode their hot streak into and through the playoffs. The Packers did it last year, and the Giants did it even through losing to New England to cap the end of the perfect regular season in one of the most epic games I've ever watched. <br />
4. MOMENTUM yes it deserves two mentions. The Lions have been playing on fire since about the end of the third quarter at Okaland on all three facets of the game -- when they play like they did against San Diego, they can beat any team any time any place. They are not even close to a point where they can "rest up" and then just turn it on like a light switch. <br />
<br />
Playoff Seeding: I see a lot of people, even sports writers, screwing up the way the NFL playoff seeding works. Lets assume it goes like this (you can sub the giants in for the cowboys whereever they appear)<br />
<br />
1st Seed: Green Bay<br />
2nd Seed: San Fran<br />
3rd Seed: Saints<br />
4th Seed: Cowboys<br />
5th Seed: Lions<br />
6th Seed: Falcons<br />
<br />
Seeds one and two have a first round bye. So on wildcard weekend we have:<br />
<br />
Falcons at Saints and Lions at Cowboys. <br />
<br />
Looks pretty good - Lions have already beaten Dallas at Dallas, so that is preferrable to playing in the Superdome again against a red-hot Brees. But remember, the highest remaining seed plays the 49ers while the lowest remaining seed plays the Green Bay Packers. So assuming Saints and Lions win, the following weekend is:<br />
<br />
Saints at 49ers and Lions at Packers. <br />
<br />
Yuck. Unfortunately, getting the 6th seed doesn't help -- it guarantees that any win means playing the Packers in round 2. As a matter of fact there is only on scenario in which the Lions would NOT have to play the Packers in round 2: Detroit as the 5th seed needs Atlanta to win the upset over the 3rd Seed team assumed to be New Orleans. Then, the Lions as 5th seed would play the 49ers and the Falcons as the 6th seed would play at Green Bay. Of course, unless someone beats the Packers in round 2, then the road to the playoffs leads through Green Bay. Since we are rooting for Atlanta to get the upset in wildcard weekend, we might as well root for them to upset the Packers as well -- that way, Detroit can host a home game against the Falcons for the NFC Championship. <br />
<br />
Sound impossible? The Detroit Lions are locked into a playoff berth with one game yet to playjust 3 seasons after losing every single game. Anything is possible! Maybe that apocalypse is going to occur in 2012 after all....<br />
<br />
Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!!DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-10220738900148570162011-12-26T23:26:00.000-05:002011-12-26T23:26:44.015-05:00Lions Fans More LoyalThe packed house and huge home field advantage that was Ford Field were beyond importance as the Lions trounced the Chargers giving the Lions their first playoff berth in over a decade. The loyalty of the fans of the Detroit Lions is nothing short of astounding. Remember looking at the news stories every week of a home game, trying to see if you would be watching the game on TV or some shaky internet feed? (for those of us in the blackout zone) <br />
<br />
Even in the 0-16 season, there were still games that sold out Ford Field. The average attendance still topped 45,000. During an 0-16 season!! Winless! -- And despite not having a winning record since Bill Clinton was playing the blues on his sax and chasing interns around the white house. <br />
<br />
As the Lions kept showing improvement over the last 3 years, tickets went from easy and cheap, to easy to get, to you could get them early in the season, but you were going to pay more than you were used to as a playoff run became more and more apparent. I'm sure no matter how they do, next season is going to be a surefire sellout of the home games. <br />
<br />
Imagine my shock and downright stunned surprise when I read tha<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/12/25/bengals.fans.plea.ap/index.html?sct=nfl_t2_a4" target="_blank">t the Bengals are having trouble getting fans to show up</a> to their games. <i><b>During a push for the playoffs where if they win their final home game against a struggling Baltimore team they are in!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
The attendance as they played a meaningful game to eliminate Arizona? Just over 41,000. More Lions Fans showed up to see if the team could avoid infamy (or be part of it) for the final meaningless games of 2008. Bengals fans, that is just plain pathetic. <br />
<br />
The article blames 20 years of mediocre play and no postseason wins since 1990. At least they have been to the postseason AT ALL since the Millennium changed and years start with "20" instead of "19"! They had a few years where Carson Palmer was on fire and tossing long bombs to Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and TJ Howeverthehellyaspellit. Lions fans had Matt Millen that whole time. At least the Bengals got a couple high draft picks for Palmer - and a young quarterback with potential (Andy Dalton) to replace him. Lions fans got Barry retiring and being replaced by guys like Sedrick Irvin. <br />
<br />
I'm ecstatic the Lions are in the playoffs - but even if they were in a situation like the Bengals are I have NO DOUBT that the house would be sold out and rocking. Detroit Lions fans have supported their team in the worst of times, and sure aren't about to miss out on the best of times!<br />
<br />
As I picked up some Biggby Coffee for my wife and myself Christmas Eve morn, I was wearing my Lions leather jacket (of course). The barista was telling everyone that came in the Lions were going to win by 20+ over the Chargers -- just wait and see. (Even I thought that was a long shot, but I stuck by my 8-8 season til they were over 9-5 and I was the one decked out in Lions gear) That is the type of fans that the Detroit Lions have -- Proud and Loyal, just like a real Lion. <br />
<br />
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!! With the Saints beating the Falcons (barring a late 22 point comeback in the next 9 minutes as of this writing) the Lions can earn the #5 seed and a chance to face either Dallas/New York Giants in round one, and likely the 49ers to get to the NFC championship game -- a much preferred route than Saints round 1 and through the Packers at Lambeau to get to the NFC Championship game. If the Lions beat the Packers week 17, there is a better than decent chance the NFC Championship game could once again feature two teams from the NFC North.DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-90663229782163823912011-12-23T18:23:00.002-05:002011-12-23T22:44:32.711-05:00All I want for Christmas is the Playoffs?Christmas is coming, and I must say up until today I just wasn't really in the full Christmas spirit. Usually I'm putting up loads of decorations, humming Christmas carols and songs, hoping for piles of crisp white snow so that on Christmas morning, I will get a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the morning as the little pink lions see what Santa has brought them as the monorails glide around the tree and the chimneys drift light colored smoke into the cool winter air. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBlpF6r396PwC6dHnfe34ZuwlI3MgbGQiMifYtiwNcGN8HZjpvFZiO3SqCL8C7EQFI5nwiY7oTocOq2oKygcQNHxKeZYjBKi_3beDbfyWtGSQevOECrG4hzORoGZbW1m26oNuYj_ev4Q/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBlpF6r396PwC6dHnfe34ZuwlI3MgbGQiMifYtiwNcGN8HZjpvFZiO3SqCL8C7EQFI5nwiY7oTocOq2oKygcQNHxKeZYjBKi_3beDbfyWtGSQevOECrG4hzORoGZbW1m26oNuYj_ev4Q/s320/tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have red and green monorails gliding around our tree. Notice the Lions Santa hat in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Not sure what it was, but it seems to have struck me today -- and even as it did I realize one thing that has never really been on my mind in a very long time at this point in the year is the NFL playoffs. Most of the time, the Christmas weekend games I would tape the Lions, and then watch it later. After all, it usually had no meaning in the grand scheme. All of a sudden, this year I could get an extra present on Christmas -- The Lions clinching a playoff spot!<br />
<br />
I'm not really great at the prediction business -- and I feel this game against the Chargers could fall anywhere from a solid loss to a solid win. I just don't see either team getting blown out -- but then again, I said the same thing about the Lions at Chicago game and look what happened. <br />
<br />
Win or Lose, the Lions have already exceeded my expecatations for accomplishment, but more importantly, they have provided spectacular games to watch all season!! I expect no less Saturday night. <br />
<br />
Keep in mind that even though the Lions are on TV it is Christmas eve and be sure to keep what is most important -- family, friends -- in the forefront and even if the Lions lose, don't let it ruin your holiday spirit. After all, there are two games left to get one win -- and after breaking every other bad record that has been overshadowing them for years, maybe the Lambeau curse is next...<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas everyone!!<br />
<br />
DetFan1979DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-46796966888709989892011-12-22T16:15:00.000-05:002011-12-22T16:15:26.058-05:00Lions O vs Oakland DThe Detroit Lions are a vertical passing team. Quite often, short passes act as a kind of extended handoff. The Philadelphia Eagles used to constantly do this with Brian Westbrook, and now Lesean McCoy. It stems from the fact that Philadelphia has a pass-blocking offensive line. <br />
<br />
Contrary to what many commenters on sports articles believe, there are typically two pretty distinct ways to build an offensive line -- Pass-block first, or Power-Run first. It is very rare and would be quite difficult to find players that excel at both of these skills equally. The nature of the beast is that as an offense you have to choose your identity. The Lions are a passing team, and have a pass blocking line.<br />
<br />
Essentially, the short throws force teams to roll coverage short/inside, allowing Detroit to take some long shots down the field. If they keep multiple guys up top to cover Calvin Johnson, then they are leaving Titus Young, Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler, or Brandon Pettigrew with a favorable matchup. (and also whatever back is coming out of the backfield)<br />
<br />
Oakland for years has run a straight up man coverage with lots of pressure on the opposing QB. Without Nmandi Asmogouha in the defensive backfield, I'm not so sure that was the best of ideas. The Raiders essentially manned up on the WR and then sold out run blitzed (essentially if not in fact by where they were positioning players) to bring the heat on the Lions. In essence, they wanted to force Matthew Stafford into making a long series of short throws to get down the field with players in his face. While they knew their secondary wouldn't really be able to cover Calvin Johnson downnfield, they tried to make sure Stafford didn't have time for any long plays to develop. <br />
<br />
For the most part, it worked well for the Raiders. The Lions really had no running game, but still managed to put up two TD's up to midway through the 4th quarter. The pressure was getting there just enough to keep the Lions off balance. However, they misjudged a couple of factors that went against them on the last two drives. <br />
<br />
The first problem with Oakland's strategy was that the Lions really don't care if they do have success on the ground as long as the passing game is clicking. This meant that often Kevin Smith was held in to block -- especially on the last two drives. While Jahvid Best is a more dynamic runner, Kevin Smith is the best blocking back on the roster. He excels at blitz pickup and keeping the QB clean when the opposing defense brings extra rushers. The Lions also have Brandon Pettigrew and Will Heller on the roster -- two more excellent blockers that you still have to account for if they break off for a short pass play. <br />
<br />
The second miscalculation was the ability of Calvin Johnson to beat multiple guys in coverage. It really does take more than one person working together very well to keep CJ under wraps. Oakland just didn't have that. <br />
<br />
When you put those together, you end up with Megatron having some huge plays on the Megadrive. Oakland sends sends extra rushers at extra blockers -- only the fact that Stafford is forced to sidearm the throw to get it down the field stops CJ from getting a TD on that throw. (its a good thing too -- it would have left too much time for the Raiders to get into FG range) So while the Raiders strategy allowed them to hold down the Lions for a while, they adjusted and were able to show that when this offense is clicking, they can knife down the field in a hurry and a half. <br />
<br />
What Oakland learned is something teams should have been well aware of at this point: after now 4 times coming back form 13 or more down this season, the Lions can score so quickly that no lead is safe. As this team matures and becomes more consistent, it is just mind boggling to think they are just scratching the surface of what they can do. <br />
<br />
Can you imagine if the Lions offense can come out in the first quarter like it has been in the 4th? And to keep it up over a whole game? Look at the feared offenses of the Saints and Packers -- in a year or two the Lions are set to be that good -- or possibly even better. <br />
<br />
In the end, while Oakland tried it's best to contain the Lions all they really ended up doing was providing an abject lesson in how not to defend Calvin Johnson -- the number of which seem to grow longer each week. <br />
<br />
These Lions can play against any team in the league, and have a good chance to beat them any given Sunday. So watch out Chargers -- you may have a lightning bolt but the Lions are playing electric right now too!DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-56089339224578881652011-12-22T11:27:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:27:52.700-05:00Oakland Raiders Sunk by LionsI had a chance to re-watch most of the game, and the added perspective was interesting. I'm not going to do a play by play breakdown (I do have a full time job and three little pink lions ya know) but I sure do wish I had the time to do it. That would be awesome! If any of you know a place/person who does that let me know -- I'd be there reading every week. <br />
<br />
Defense<br />
<br />
I'll save the numerous thoughts on the offense for second. First, I want to focus on the matchup between the Oakland offense and the Detroit defense. I know the big press coming into this week was how badly the Raiders played in their last two games, but there was much more than meets the eye in that equation -- after all, the Raiders were 7-6 and looking to get back into the playoff hunt with a win over the Lions. Say what you will about there recent egg-laying, the Raiders have been far from a joke all year and a tough, competitive team.<br />
<br />
Despite the headlines surrounding (QB)Carson Palmer, and the injury to (RB)Darren McFadden the real story of the Raiders offense has been the wide receivers and the offensive line. <br />
<br />
Al Davis was almost as obsessed with speedy wideouts as one Matt Millen. A big difference is that his picks A. were not all in the first round, B. were not overweight, lazy, or drug addicts, and C. can actually catch the ball. The result is an offense stacked 4 deep with very fast WR on the field -- none of them a CJ caliber (who is?) but they don't have to be. They are more a bunch of faster Titus Young clones. The Raiders' problem the two weeks before? 3 of them were injured. Two made it back against the Lions and the difference was noticeable. YAC is a very underrated statistic, and an area where Oakland's group will make you pay. (as they did to Chris Houston on the long TD when he bounced off the WR instead of wrapping him up) Carson Palmer (and Jason Campbell before he got injured) rely on lots of quick hits to the open man, depending on yards after the catch to get then the gains they need. Screens especially mixed in with their strong run game make this tactic especially deadly. <br />
<br />
To make matters worse for the Lions, on top of Delmas being out (and losing Harris) at Safety, their CB's were banged up. Both Wright and Houston were having speed and cutting issues as they recover from injury. This meant they were limited in their type of play they could use to defend. No matter what Jim Schwartz blathers about the health of the secondary played a big role in the big cushion look the Lions gave the Raiders. The intent was almost a man-up version of the Tampa 2, keeping everything in front of them to limit any big plays. They also were selling out on the rush and the pressure to keep the Raiders in their short game only and counting on the Lions defenders to limit YAC. <br />
<br />
The result was that despite a long TD on a missed tackle, the Lions defense held the Raiders to just 20 offensive points scored in what on paper should have been a bad matchup for them on that given Sunday. Even though Palmer was taking 2-3 step drops and runing smoke routes, the Lions still got to him for three sacks. <br />
<br />
So while the Lions were playing with 3/4 backups in the secondary, they still played a solid game and did their part to help the Lions win, and to get the ball back to set up the Megadrive. <br />
<br />
Tonight I'll look at how the Detroit Offense and Oakland Defense matched up.DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-19561696313615328312011-12-19T16:52:00.000-05:002011-12-19T16:52:38.118-05:00Great Scott!Still in a frame of refernce in regards to Back to the Future (I need to watch the DVD's with the Pink Lions again) I couldn't help but think of a fun line from Back to the Future 3. <br />
<br />
Doc Brown has just passed out in the Saloon. Mad Dog Tannen is going to be waiting outside in 10 minutes to kill Marty. They need to leave to catch the train in fifteen minutes to get back to the future. How long is the "wake up juice" going to take? 10 minutes. <br />
<br />
Marty looks out the window, looks at the doc, and then says "why do we always have to cut these things so close?!"<br />
<br />
That's how I've felt about...oh, every game but Denver and Kansas City this season. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KF_-bFgv17T_6Yx_s571WhvwQaKSviMpyr2hlFtVMt8oOXVlxjJhV7H6SlIBRWxyfS_spDS9iihiAEZCJPSU7Fj9r-v3qeKh8e4cKU_8yii2BAZTbEd-1tI6O8Q3Kwzu5H7QOeB9Zgw/s1600/121gigawats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KF_-bFgv17T_6Yx_s571WhvwQaKSviMpyr2hlFtVMt8oOXVlxjJhV7H6SlIBRWxyfS_spDS9iihiAEZCJPSU7Fj9r-v3qeKh8e4cKU_8yii2BAZTbEd-1tI6O8Q3Kwzu5H7QOeB9Zgw/s320/121gigawats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lions have easily generated 1.21 Giggawatts in electrifying games so far in 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The big difference from year's past? The Lions are winning these close games most of the time. Sure, you can question a lot of things about the Lions. You can point to how some teams "lose X number of games by a touchdown or less" as to how they are so close to good. That, however, has always been a hopeful misdirection. A major Red Herring so to speak. A large number of NFL games are decided by a touchdown or less every week. The difference between playoff teams and teams going home is whether you can win more of those games than you lose. <br />
<br />
9-5<br />
<br />
The win-loss record speaks for itself. The Lions have managed to win more of those close games (Tampa Bay, Dallas, Minnesota (twice), Panthers, Oakland) than they lost (49ers, Falcons). That in and of itself is the major sign of a playoff team. So too is that ability to come from behind while maintaining composure. On the last two drives in Oakland, the Lions looked more like the preseason/5-0 start Lions than the mid-season Lions struggling to find a rhytm.<br />
<br />
I will have a more detailed analysis of the game tomorrow, but suffice it to say as a fan this is the most exciting season of Lions football since Barry Sanders retired, hands down. I'm not sure if any of them in recent memory have featured so many electrifying games. DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-15800435630560894182011-12-15T17:39:00.000-05:002011-12-15T17:39:41.647-05:00C'mon McFly, U Chicken?Most everyone has heard the phrase "egging you on" in reference to goading someone into doing something -- typically something stupid, silly, dangerous, or all three. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/egging">Websters defines it as:</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">egg</span><br />
<div class="luna-Ent"><div class="header"><sup><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2</span> </span></span></sup><span id="hotword"> </span><span class="pronset"><script language="javascript">
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</script><object align="textTop" cabs="" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="codebase=" flash="" fpdownload.macromedia.com="" height="15" http:="" id="speaker" pub="" shockwave="" swflash.cab#version="6,0,0,0"" width="17"><param NAME="_cx" VALUE="449"><param NAME="_cy" VALUE="396"><param NAME="FlashVars" VALUE=""><param NAME="Movie" VALUE="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf"><param NAME="Src" VALUE="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf"><param NAME="WMode" VALUE="Transparent"><param NAME="Play" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Loop" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Quality" VALUE="High"><param NAME="SAlign" VALUE="T"><param NAME="Menu" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Base" VALUE=""><param NAME="AllowScriptAccess" VALUE=""><param NAME="Scale" VALUE="ShowAll"><param NAME="DeviceFont" VALUE="0"><param NAME="EmbedMovie" VALUE="0"><param NAME="BGColor" VALUE=""><param NAME="SWRemote" VALUE=""><param NAME="MovieData" VALUE=""><param NAME="SeamlessTabbing" VALUE="1"><param NAME="Profile" VALUE="0"><param NAME="ProfileAddress" VALUE=""><param NAME="ProfilePort" VALUE="0"><param NAME="AllowNetworking" VALUE="all"><param NAME="AllowFullScreen" VALUE="false"></OBJECT><noscript></noscript> <span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ɛg</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" jquery1323962248160="100" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for Spelled" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1323962248160="101" title="Click to show spelled"><u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Show Spelled</span></u></a></span></span><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron"><span style="font-size: x-small;">eg</span></span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html" jquery1323962248160="102" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1323962248160="103" title="Click to show IPA"><u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Show IPA</span></u></a></span></span></span> </div><div class="body"><div class="pbk"><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">verb</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object)</span> </span></em></strong></span></span><br />
<div class="luna-Ent"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">incite</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">urge;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">encourage</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">(usually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">followed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">on</span> </em></span></span><span id="hotword">). </span></div></div></div><div class="tail"><hr class="ety" /><div class="ety"><b><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Origin:</span> </span></i></b><br />
<span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">1150–1200;</span> </span></span><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Middle</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">English</span> </span></span><span id="hotword">&lt; </span><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Old</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Norse</span> </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">eggja</span> </em></span></span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">incite,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">derivative</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">egg</span> </em></span></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/edge" jquery1323962248160="104" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">edge</a></div></div></div><br />
As I watched Suh throw a hissy fit on National Television as I chonked on Turkey I could only wonder why the bigger Turkey was on TV. I had an image of my youngest little pink lion throwing a temper tantrum screaming "she started it!" Then, the following week against the Saints I again wondered if this <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/self+control">other word from Websters </a>was in the vocabulary of the Detroit Lions:<br />
<div class="header"><h2 class="me"><span style="font-size: medium;">self-con·trol</span></h2><sup></sup><span id="hotword"> </span><span class="pronset"><script language="javascript">
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</script><object align="textTop" cabs="" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="codebase=" flash="" fpdownload.macromedia.com="" height="15" http:="" id="speaker" pub="" shockwave="" swflash.cab#version="6,0,0,0"" width="17"><param NAME="_cx" VALUE="449"><param NAME="_cy" VALUE="396"><param NAME="FlashVars" VALUE=""><param NAME="Movie" VALUE="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf"><param NAME="Src" VALUE="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf"><param NAME="WMode" VALUE="Transparent"><param NAME="Play" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Loop" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Quality" VALUE="High"><param NAME="SAlign" VALUE="T"><param NAME="Menu" VALUE="0"><param NAME="Base" VALUE=""><param NAME="AllowScriptAccess" VALUE=""><param NAME="Scale" VALUE="ShowAll"><param NAME="DeviceFont" VALUE="0"><param NAME="EmbedMovie" VALUE="0"><param NAME="BGColor" VALUE=""><param NAME="SWRemote" VALUE=""><param NAME="MovieData" VALUE=""><param NAME="SeamlessTabbing" VALUE="1"><param NAME="Profile" VALUE="0"><param NAME="ProfileAddress" VALUE=""><param NAME="ProfilePort" VALUE="0"><param NAME="AllowNetworking" VALUE="all"><param NAME="AllowFullScreen" VALUE="false"></OBJECT><noscript></noscript> <span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ˈsɛlf<img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" />kənˈtroʊl</span><span class="pron">,</span> <span class="pron">ˌsɛlf-</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" jquery1323968535923="80" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for Spelled" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1323968535923="81" title="Click to show spelled"><u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Show Spelled</span></u></a></span></span><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="pron"><span class="boldface"><strong>self</strong></span>-k<em><span class="ital-inline">uh</span><img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" /></em>n-<span class="boldface"><strong>trohl</strong></span></span><span class="pron">,</span></span> <span class="pron"><span style="font-size: x-small;">self-</span></span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html" jquery1323968535923="82" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" /></a> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1323968535923="83" title="Click to show IPA"><u><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Show IPA</span></u></a></span></span></span> </div><div class="body"><div class="pbk"><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">noun</span> </span></em></strong></span></span><br />
<div class="luna-Ent"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">control</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">restraint</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">oneself</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">one's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">actions,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">feelings,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.</span> </span></div></div></div><div class="tail"><hr class="ety" /></div><div class="ety"><b><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Origin:</span> </span></i></b><br />
<span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1705–15</span> </span></span></div><div class="tail"><br />
<span class="sectionLabel"><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Related</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">forms</span> </strong></em></span></span></div><div class="roset"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;">self-con·trolled,</span> </span></span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">adjective</span> </em></span></span></strong></span></div><div class="roset"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">self-con·trol·ling,</span> </span></span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">adjective</span> </em></span></span></strong></span></div><div class="tail"><br />
</div><div class="tail"><strong><em><span class="sectionLabel"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Synonyms</span> </span></span></em></strong><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">self-discipline,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">self-restraint,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">willpower,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">levelheadedness.</span></span></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">It certainly wasn't being emitted from Jim "Meet me outside to see who the bigger Jimmy really is" Schwartz. As a matter of fact, against both the Packers and Saints one would be hard pressed to find it being exhibited by the Lions anywhere on the field. </span></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I know, I know. The officiating was horrible you say -- it was. But <a href="http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/12/did_the_green_bay_packers_anta.html">they were untying his shoes!</a> you say. Apparently they were. Of course as soon as I read that, I instantly pictured good 'ol Biff Tannen. </span></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgppJRWSbpXGaNuJkapW_vjVTwuKP-S9AoYZ0vAfO-B-bbX_D2uwOWXgUVGLx8QV6-HgvzBMJU1msdB122sReCEMRwJJS0IvvhFrY7V1FlwTZuHssxJdtHZJe5AN8619ru4SXGjxY94w/s1600/biff+tannen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgppJRWSbpXGaNuJkapW_vjVTwuKP-S9AoYZ0vAfO-B-bbX_D2uwOWXgUVGLx8QV6-HgvzBMJU1msdB122sReCEMRwJJS0IvvhFrY7V1FlwTZuHssxJdtHZJe5AN8619ru4SXGjxY94w/s1600/biff+tannen.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your Shoe's Untied McFly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">The interesting thing is the Lions have been like two totally different teams. Against the 49ers and the Falcons they pretty much George McFly'd their way through the entire game -- I just got the feeling they were waiting for that next nuggie, next jab. In the meantime, they stammered their way through "putting on the second coat of wax right now" excuses that no one was buying. They were playing timid, not the bold swaggering group from the first 5 games. </span></div><div class="tail"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkskwzXkdhfLEP9FC3VqeUHTvji7XZY_XgQzjOCaiJ8qsm-YhKVB3mkw41K6xbJqGxLuJnjGJOQ3SaKWuPyQxLquQfwYINlDb05r6VaBiK6FYqu0mOxC7JK7v9tIORokrRGfzzDWIFJNw/s1600/g+mcfly.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkskwzXkdhfLEP9FC3VqeUHTvji7XZY_XgQzjOCaiJ8qsm-YhKVB3mkw41K6xbJqGxLuJnjGJOQ3SaKWuPyQxLquQfwYINlDb05r6VaBiK6FYqu0mOxC7JK7v9tIORokrRGfzzDWIFJNw/s1600/g+mcfly.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is making the playoffs their density, I mean destiny?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="tail"><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">After building a Tebow proof lead against Denver, and then once again coming back against Carolina sandwiched around another timid game loss versus the Bears it became clear the Lions were playing alternating stretches of bravado mixed in with bouts of low self esteem like timidity. Sticking with my Back to the Future analogy here they were acting more like Marty McFly than his pop. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much like Marty they were until the Green Bay and New Orleans debacles...</span></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="tail"><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Let me start with this basic thought: If you think New Orleans and especially Green Bay went through 8 quarters against the Lions without a single holding penalty I have this great property in Montana with a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea and magical fairies that tend the gorgeous gardens to perfection producing amazing fruit all year round to sell you. Really. That is still no excuse; The Packers, soon followed by the Saints, were basically calling out to the Lions "whatsa matter, you chicken?"</span></div><div class="tail"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwRHu2K1dT0h4xpsnUVhuYOFYBe0yZPXqyO2zaSuUgsI72Xsjk27NKJ1naWESNd7V46dxN0L6JN3PfnB1zz2SpXiBikyW_sFIDnZZ9sZfCi2LEQXrLAvEwKkwh4z4uBK9WWlxFWd_LM4/s1600/mcfly+chicken.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwRHu2K1dT0h4xpsnUVhuYOFYBe0yZPXqyO2zaSuUgsI72Xsjk27NKJ1naWESNd7V46dxN0L6JN3PfnB1zz2SpXiBikyW_sFIDnZZ9sZfCi2LEQXrLAvEwKkwh4z4uBK9WWlxFWd_LM4/s1600/mcfly+chicken.bmp" /></a></div><div class="tail"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ9aVQJebFq7JofxWQim-pWZPVFx5YMdgAjki1SBiSGTWf-m3U7PuwpUUpoiq1l_cEQ1NoDIv31F5DcFzayT8YolyfvHCN0xGDBoAMpT6sjKSwph9ZLMKSjfNWil4_uaoZO6EI8DpCG0/s1600/mcfly+chicken+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ9aVQJebFq7JofxWQim-pWZPVFx5YMdgAjki1SBiSGTWf-m3U7PuwpUUpoiq1l_cEQ1NoDIv31F5DcFzayT8YolyfvHCN0xGDBoAMpT6sjKSwph9ZLMKSjfNWil4_uaoZO6EI8DpCG0/s1600/mcfly+chicken+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="tail"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGlkBy0EJkk7nd9-gh19qsuGdYvbFTyPLPkNuBSq2ZAYiDziTyNVae612SHyCV-KItbIm9iPOmMweEZKccCvvSy_OVFmg8bmSdGx8CiA5DNn2xsyCrwbeklIKSGrIigFhCpXMFI4HCfk/s1600/mcfly+chicken+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGlkBy0EJkk7nd9-gh19qsuGdYvbFTyPLPkNuBSq2ZAYiDziTyNVae612SHyCV-KItbIm9iPOmMweEZKccCvvSy_OVFmg8bmSdGx8CiA5DNn2xsyCrwbeklIKSGrIigFhCpXMFI4HCfk/s1600/mcfly+chicken+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
That's right. Just like poor Marty and his historical namesake, the Lions couldn't walk away from a fight and paid dearly for it. Will they also end up getting fired from a dead end job because they are too "manly" to back down? Just like Marty McFly and my temper tantrum throwing daughter, now the other 31 teams in the league know all you have to do is goad them enough, and the Lions players will lose it to the tune of 15 yard penalties, ejections and even suspension.<br />
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Against Minnesota, they finally managed to ignore these McFly Penalties -- but how long will it last? Will Marty McSuh be able to keep it together once he hits the field again? If not, just like in Back to The Future III it will be his name and the Lions playoff hopes on that tombstone...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcob6_WQm7FCYMjCo9NwV3rXByIjmCLlQ9MNsmPnfJvx7Lle2EGOyl0-BsBsASTZr-7UNoXXGW_SpANtx3tDWqtEyuuqWgAWSN0z0bqKc-QlrdM-Zk7B0QK7W4eoMHe60gNrTgDCcDv2Y/s1600/biff+tombstone.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcob6_WQm7FCYMjCo9NwV3rXByIjmCLlQ9MNsmPnfJvx7Lle2EGOyl0-BsBsASTZr-7UNoXXGW_SpANtx3tDWqtEyuuqWgAWSN0z0bqKc-QlrdM-Zk7B0QK7W4eoMHe60gNrTgDCcDv2Y/s1600/biff+tombstone.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The future can still be altered. Will the Lions avoid this fate?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm thrilled the Lions are 8-5. They are making a push for the playoffs and hold their destiny, like Marty above, in their hands. The question now is can they hold it together, or will they give in to the shoelacing taunts of their opponents? Oakland is the most penalized team in the league so there will be a parity of reputations - if the Lions can come out of that game relatively clean (and with a win) then that is a huge step in the right direction. If not, I'll have to start a "Great Scott!" Marty McFly Chicken Penalty of the week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDNjl1JXMoOFx_Lcy-pwCB_d2JlnO8VuE0zdwUhtrLeGeIJjqpFnu4JMApuzElDIM-IX2JPsYono8Wl_4zXGXgMhgrLlCZiGPPo0mH6EgUazT7W6JwYqb03py1A9dOsz4TbhiliioopQ/s1600/ghost+of+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDNjl1JXMoOFx_Lcy-pwCB_d2JlnO8VuE0zdwUhtrLeGeIJjqpFnu4JMApuzElDIM-IX2JPsYono8Wl_4zXGXgMhgrLlCZiGPPo0mH6EgUazT7W6JwYqb03py1A9dOsz4TbhiliioopQ/s1600/ghost+of+christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For everyone with Christmas gathering this weekend, I hope that you take the time out to enjoy your families while you can. DVR, VCR, or have the game on in the background but remember what is most important this holiday season. <br />
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DetFan1979DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-2150185940454793552011-12-14T18:35:00.002-05:002011-12-14T18:35:00.984-05:00The Longest Time...I take my first tentative steps back into blogging about the Lions and find myself wondering if maybe I'm still sitting in the hospital having delusions. Lions? In Control of their Playoff Destiny? The Detroit Lions, Playoffs -- in the same sentence, seriously, in December? <br />
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8 wins? I can barely remember 6 months ago (okay a few days ago) much less the last time the Lions had 8 wins or more. I was not yet a parent - the Little Pink Lions were merely a glimmer of the future. If we go back to when the Lions were in the playoffs, I was still in college. I was not yet married. <br />
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In a year fraught with trials and tribulations, the Lions have been a pleasant bright spot. So where have I been, you ask, that I am just now weighing in on this already 8 win season? <br />
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I injured my shoulder in January. It turned out to be pretty severe (torn labrum, torn rotator cuff, and a bone spur just to top it off). I finally had surgery on it in May. Prior to the surgery it was just too much pain to sit at the keyboard and type, so my blogging trailed off. The surgery had a few complications, and despite early promise after the surgery our house flooded. So post surgery my father and I were ripping out and rebuilding the basement/first floor while I was also doing physical therapy. Toss in some family needing help, trying to catch up at work and I was pushing myself harder than I should have been. Too hard. Too soon. Major blood pressure and fatigue issues led to Minor heart issues. I nearly collapsed and work and was hospitalized briefly. - I only call them minor as I was supremely blessed not to suffer any real permanent damage. That episode sidelined me completely for over a month. In September I headed back to physical therapy in what has been my routine and will be through the end of the year: get up at 4am. Physical Therapy for two hours, get ready for work, go to the office until about 6. Supper, Family time, bed. Repeat. <br />
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I've just been too tired to blog. Now things are finally improving! Most of the pain is gone. I'm doing better balancing things. The Little Pink Lions now each have their own brand new bedroom in the walk out basement/first floor. (We took the opportunity that the disaster created to make things better). I'm afraid I still can't promise consistency for a while, though I will try. I don't even know how many of you are still reading -- I appreciate all of you who are! I'v really missed blogging about the Lions, and it's been building for quite a while that I feel a need to start writing again. <br />
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This experience has definitely given me a great respect for how much time and effort -- and pain -- football players go through; even those who are not injured. For those who are and are still playing through it I feel I have a better understanding - and more sympathy for how it can effect their game. While I haven't been blogging, I have been watching. It has been an enjoyable and entertaining ride - I am excited to see how it ends! <br />
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Real football is being played in Detroit, and from the looks of it will be for years to come. My health is improving, and I can see "normal" not so far distant in the future. Live every day your best - because you never know what will happen in the next. <br />
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Its good to be back<br />
<br />
DetFan1979DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-12747269237079511872011-10-23T22:12:00.000-04:002011-10-23T22:12:00.215-04:00Once in a Lifetime -- WeeklyWhat was Barry Sanders? He was a lot of things to a lot of people, players and fans. His ability and his impact on the game on any given Sunday can't be described in a hundred words, or a thousand words, or more. When you watched him you had to suspend belief because what you were seeing wasn't possible on a football field.<br />
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Expectedly Unexpected. Commonly Unique.<br />
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What Barry did was make every game he was in a thrill to watch no matter what the score was. Points, winners, losers -- it all seemed to fade when Barry touched the ball. Breath held, we waited to see what was going to happen next. One tackle behind the line. Two. Three. Four. Five - wait - Magic!<br />
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You knew you were going to see something special, and yet every time he slipped a tackle, spun two defenders around, leaped over one player while simultaneous ducking another tackler and somehow still staying on his feet and headed to the endzone we sat and stared, mouth agape and mind unable to believe what we were seeing even though we expected to see it. <br />
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Barry had more negative runs than anyone else. He had more awe inspiring runs than any three other backs combined. Emmitt ground out the rushing record over time. Barry was the only back who could run about 100 mind numbing perplexing yards for a 20 yard touchdown. Spinning, juking faking.<br />
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He knew what defenders were going to do before they did, and then he avoided it. Jumping through holes that didn't exist, rolling away from hits that should have leveled a mac truck. Lowering his shoulder like he was going to be tackled, and then jumping back as defenders fell to their knees in front of him and taking off as those behind him did the same in an ironic type of homage as they grasped for that which couldn't be caught - couldn't be harnessed. <br />
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Barry Sanders was like an optical illusion on a football field. He wasn't the biggest. He wasn't the strongest. He wasn't the fastest. But when he touched the ball science stopped and Barry started. Inertia no longer existed and we saw angles and cuts and moves that defied the laws of physics but somehow conformed to the rules of the Gridiron. Barry's rules. Rules no one else could comprehend, much less follow or duplicate.<br />
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Watching Barry play made being a Lions fan something special. It wasn't about wins and losses -- it was about the mystical. The enchantment.<br />
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It was about once in a lifetime -- weekly.DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-32726478597017152072011-09-02T17:54:00.000-04:002011-09-02T17:54:17.989-04:00Game PreView: Tampa via Mlive Lions ForumI was looking at trying to get together a preview for the season opener at Tampa Bay, when I saw that Thunderfoot on the Mlive Lions Forum had already posted a summary I essentially agreed with -- and felt would be good to share with you. <br />
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<div class="title">961128. <h1><span style="color: #293546; font-size: small;">Detroit's offense vs Tampa's defense...</span></h1><span>by <a class="user" href="http://connect.mlive.com/user/thunderfoot/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #fd6205; font-size: x-small;">thunderfoot</span></strong></a>, 09/02/11 1:30 PM </span></div>When the Lions go into Tampa they will be facing a defensive line which they match up better against than a lot of the lines they’ll play this season. The Bucs line is young and quick, and they’ll rotate 7 or 8 guys like the Lions will. But they are not the overpowering type or line Detroit generally has problems with. The Bucs have seen film of Stafford and his arm, but they’ve never been on the field with this guy. Without Talib, Calvin Johnson caught 10 passes from Drew Stafford last season in a Lions win at Tampa. CJ may do the same this season with Talib in the lineup. On the other side for the Bucs is 36 year old Ronde Barber who has slowed done, but not enough so that any of the other young Bucs could take his job. There safeties are nothing to write home about. At linebacker the Bucs have a rookie, in Mason Foster, manning the middle after no OTA’s and 6 weeks of training camp. He may end up a great one but he’ll be taken advantage of early. The Bucs problem on defense, besides the fact that they are young, not stout and can be run on, is the fact that there are too many interchangeable parts. They don’t have enough great or even better-than-average defenders who grabbed their position and look ready to take their games to the next level. <br />
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The Lions will probably open up in shotgun formation passing against Tampa. The Bucs will play 2 deep and may even start in the nickel. Look for Detroit to make yards on the ground, this game, and we’ll see if Tampa’s safeties get tempted to peak in the backfield. If so, the Lions will probably get at least a couple of big plays. But Tampa will be coached not to do that. As we’ve seen last season, Stafford can play a patient game as well. The bottom line is Detroit has too many real offensive weapons for the Bucs to deal with. They have to try to slow down the Lions, limit touchdowns defensively, and try to limit Detroit’s possessions. A shootout is not good for the Bucs. <br />
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<div class="title">961129. <h1><span style="color: #293546; font-size: small;">Tampa's offense vs Detroit's defense...</span></h1><span>by <a class="user" href="http://connect.mlive.com/user/thunderfoot/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #fd6205; font-size: x-small;">thunderfoot</span></strong></a>, 09/02/11 1:31 PM </span></div>When Tampa has the ball, they need to run it and get positive yards on first downs. Last season, that strategy was somewhat successful, as LeGarrett Blount had a big game running and leaping over Lions’ safeties and LBs for big gains. We should look for a better effort from Detroit this season. Tampa’s offensive line should be the best part of that team. They may indeed be with some high draft picks, high priced players and Probowl performers. The problem? They play against the relentless front 4 of Detroit this week in front an improved LB unit. They will be pressured.<br />
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I like Josh Freeman—a lot. He has it all. He is a very efficient QB with a big arm. He’s a strong kin who reminds me of Rothlisberger in that he has muscle his way out of trouble, keep plays alive and complete passes. He’s going to be a really good one in this league. Freeman, however, doesn’t have enough tools to outscore a team like Detroit. The aforementioned Blount is a slugger in the backfield, but they don’t really have an explosive 3rd down type back. Mike Williams had a really good rookie season but he is really not a burner. Benn was injured most of last season. He IS the burner but his patterns are readable at this point. The multiple knee surgeried, Kellen Winslow still holds down the fort at TE.<br />
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This offense, though featuring a good young QB is not a high scoring type offense. They won a lot of close games last season by shortening the game with Blount behind that OL, and winning in the late stages. A couple of these games they really had no right winning at all. It’s going to be fun for Lions fans to look at the differences between this back 7 and last season’s back 7. We already know what to expect from the front 4 and they will have a time battling Tampa’s best unit. However, Suh, Williams, Avril, KVB and co. should win most of those battles this season and I see no reason week one will be different<br />
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<div class="title">961131. <h1><span style="color: #293546; font-size: small;">How the game should play out...</span></h1><span>by <a class="user" href="http://connect.mlive.com/user/thunderfoot/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #fd6205; font-size: x-small;">thunderfoot</span></strong></a>, 09/02/11 1:32 PM </span></div>Here’s the game…<br />
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This season’s Lions/Bucs game kind of reminds me last season’s game against the Rams. On paper there is no reason the Bucs should even be competitive against the Lions. Like the Rams, it is the team’s record that will scare the Lions fans instead of the players on that team. <br />
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What the Lions want to do is score quickly against Tampa, and force Tampa to try to keep up. Tampa in turn, wants to play a first down game and keep their offense on the field. That’s the chess match here. Look for the Lions to score, however. Though the Bucs have some young talent on the defensive line, they are very young, and will have a couple of rookie ends playing in their first NFL game. They also have a rookie MLB backer playing in his first game. Look for those players to be taken advantage of particularly in the passing game (Best, Pettigrew). Even if butterflies affect the Lions for a series or two, they will eventually score against this unit. Tampa is trying to build a front wall but they aren’t there yet. The Bucs need Detroit’s help. They need to create turnovers and may even score off of turnovers to keep it a game. If not, the game may be out of reach by the end of the 3rd quarter.<br />
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What the Lions want to do defensively is stop the run, first, then make Tampa play a fast game. If Tampa has to try and keep up the scoring they are playing Detroit’s hands. Not only do the Lions have a front 4 built for that, but they have a quick and veteran LB corps who can not only hit, but think on their feet. Also, Tampa doesn’t have the weapons for that kind of game.<br />
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The intangibles are the Florida heat and the Bucs penchant for ball security. But the overall talent of the opponent should more than make up for those intangibles<br />
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Lions 27- Bucs 13<br />
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Thanks to Thunderfoot for putting together such a well thought out piece! Agree? Disagree? What are your thoughts readers?<br />
DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-56669287925131794492011-09-02T15:08:00.000-04:002011-09-02T15:08:22.962-04:00Lions Organization has ClassIn stark contrast to the tumultous, rancorous, often bungled situations we as Detroit Lions fans became accustomed to over the Millen Era (and even before) the new front office has turned a sharp about face. The Lions, instead of dysfunctional, are now often shown to be organized and downright classy. <br />
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The perfect example of this is how they responded to the death of Tom "Killer" Kowalski -- honoring him at the first news conference after his passing & the Bills/Lions Preseason game. <br />
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But now, they have gone further -- <a href="http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2011/09/detroit_lions_to_honor_tom_kow.html">renaming the Press Lounge at the Allen Park facility</a> in his honor, as well as donating a portion of the home-opener concessions to Killer's two favorite charities. On top of that, they are starting a sports journalism scholarship in his honor. <br />
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That goes far enough beyond classy I'm not even sure which word to use.<br />
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I can be proud of the team I root for because when it came time to back up what could have been mere words of sympathy and loss with solid substance, they took up the gauntlet proudly, openly, and far exceeded any token gesture to leave no doubt about the sincerity of the organization's intent nor the pain of their loss. While we fans lost a bridge to the Lions organization, they too acknowledge having lost a respected bridge to the fans. <br />
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Awesome job Lions!DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-33790012861748161272011-08-31T00:53:00.001-04:002011-08-31T09:38:45.668-04:00First Fantasy Draft: Annual LeagueIn a feature I did not follow up on that I plan to do this year is chronicle my misadventures in the DetFan1979 Fantasy Football Leagues. There are two leagues -- the Annual League, where we draft a whole new league each year and the Dynasty League where we can keep up to 5 players. <br />
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Tonight was the Annual League draft. This is the 4th year of the league, and I had an abysmal showing last season. It is a 12 team League that starts 1-3 RB, 1-3 WR, and 1-2 TE along with a K, DST, and QB. <br />
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Mostly standard scoring, with some long TD bonuses thrown in. DST is huge in this league as a defense will make or break your year. <br />
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here is my final roster:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellspacing="1" class="report" id="rostertable" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; width: 818px;"><tbody>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow" style="background-color: #333333;"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">1.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Hasselbeck, Matt TEN QB 6</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">2.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Sanchez, Mark NYJ QB 8</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">3.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Stafford, Matthew DET QB 9</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">4.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Jones, Felix DAL RB 5</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">5.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Thomas, Pierre NOS RB 11</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">6.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Tolbert, Mike SDC RB 6</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">7.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Turner, Michael ATL RB 8</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">8.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Ward, Derrick HOU RB 11</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">9.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wells, Chris ARI RB 6</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">10.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Burleson, Nate DET WR 9</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">11.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Ward, Hines PIT WR 11</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">12.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Williams, Mike TBB WR 8</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">13.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Williams, Roy CHI WR 8</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">14.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Heap, Todd ARI TE 6</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">15.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Shiancoe, Visanthe MIN TE 9</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="eventablerow" classname="eventablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">16.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Gould, Robbie CHI PK 8</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="oddtablerow" classname="oddtablerow"><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">17.</span></span></td><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Lions, Detroit DET Def 9</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="reportnavigation" style="display: block; font-size: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="reportnavigationheader" style="font-weight: bold;">Hint Below:</span> Your league has 17 roster spots, and requires: 1QB 1-3RB 1-3WR 1-2TE 1PK 1Def starters.</span></span><span class="reportnavigation" style="display: block; font-size: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span><span class="reportnavigation" style="display: block; font-size: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span>As you can see, I am running back heavy so, and more than a little light on wideouts. Detroit is my only defense, so I'll have to pick up a bye-week replacement. Overall, I feel like I did pretty decent. Jones, Turner and Wells are all "feature backs" and Tolbert and Thomas work in shared backfields, so should be good bye week fill ins, or injury fill ins. I'm not thrilled with my WR position, but Ward and Mike Williams will be my starters. Hopefully I can upgrade over Roy, or he suddenly shows up ala 2006 (not likely). At TE, I'm hoping Heap can find synergy with Kevin Kolb. In his Philly games, Kolb favored the TE Celek who had great numbers when Kolb played. Whenever Vick played, they dropped off dramatically. I'm hoping that Kolb will have that effect for Heap in Arizona. <br />
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Yes I know I'm a homer. My team will only go as far as Stafford and the Lions Defense takes them. I wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
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Your thoughts?<br />
DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-32734799048037786422011-08-30T17:47:00.000-04:002011-08-30T17:47:37.750-04:00Tribute to "Killer"It was with heavy heart and a shock that has still not worn off that I learned of the death of Lions beat writer Tom "Killer" Kowalski. I must have sat at my desk just dumbfounded for more than a few minutes as the shock set in. I've had my won brushes with heart issues this year, and it really hit home. It could happen any time. Celebrity deaths are things that have never really struck me to tears. But I was close to breaking out tears yesterday afternoon, as they stood unsehd in my eyes. Tom was just a local celebrity, national figure, he was someone who had been a part of my life the whole time I was a Lions fan. My whole life. <br />
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Back in the early 2000's, I found the Mlive Lions Forum -- back in those days Tom would log in between practices sometimes, and hang out with us answering questions. A true insider showing true class. It was like he was just one of the fans -- only with behind the scenes info that we on the outside could only dream of. <br />
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He had a way of analyzing and adding his thoughts to the news coming out of Allen Park that made it so much more than the standard cut and paste AP articles and regurgitated blather that you get from most outlets. His Film Breakdowns after each game - even preseason - were priceless for those of us who wanted to watch the film but didn't have the time, knowledge, or experience to do so. Nor could we ask players and coaches - as he did - what the heck happened on that play fellas? <br />
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It was Tom Kowalski who replied to my email encouraging me when I decided to start this blog - and also encouraged me to stay away being just another set of news links. "Lots of Hot Dogs, not very many toppings" is how he described the basic reporting that we often see of a few facts repeated and thats it. Lots of writers are afraid or unable to really put that stamp on their writing while reporting at the same time. Despite being fair -- both in praise and criticism -- he was still a fan like the rest of us, rooting for the team. And that dichotmy led him to delve into his own thoughts and share them with us -- as well as debate, argue, and chat about them with us. <br />
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He was one of us, and made us feel like we were in Allen Park right there with him - that we were all insiders, part of the team. <br />
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Without his great insight, hard work, and dedication none of the vibrant lions blogging community would or will be the same. You're going to be very missed Killer - not just Mlive -- but all of the fans of the Lions will never feel the same. <br />
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what time is it....? Theres a 100% chance you know... it's time to say goodbye Tom. <br />
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DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-49819004478529308072011-08-17T23:13:00.000-04:002011-08-17T23:13:52.296-04:00Doing my best Al?In the spirit of longtime fellow Lions blogger Al at The Wayne Fontes Experience, I decided to follow up a declaration of blogging regularly again with a brand new major health issue. While he certainly has me beat overall in the category of "Lions Blogger with Most Health Issues" (Ty leads "Best Beard Award") I spent a good chunk of the past week either in the ER or in bed. Often both. Or getting my blood drawn. Or having yet another test. <br />
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I'm sure you get the picture. The Lions' preseason performance was by far a high point in a week I would like to otherwise forget. (which included nearly collapsing at work) I have one final test Tuesday, at least, final if it comes out all clear. If not... well, I'm doing my best not to worry about "If not" unless it gets here. Needless to say, I am at least halfway semi on my feet. Kinda. <br />
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On another note, there is at least two, possibly three openings in the DetFan1979 Dynasty (Keeper) League. They are some good teams, and have some good keeper potential. Please email me as soon as possible if you are interested. If you are already in the league, and haven't let me know if you're coming back please do so ASAP. I'm having trouble getting this to come together this year, and would hate to have to close down the Dynasty League after 3 great years. <br />
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As for now, I will continue to intermittently blog as I get slowly back to my feet yet again. I also plan to get the band back together for the Lions Congregation at least in time for the regular season. Hopefully.<br />
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Thanks again for reading!<br />
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DetFan1979DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-72143088350628286972011-08-10T14:14:00.000-04:002011-08-10T14:14:15.540-04:00"Leshoure"ly not likely to be the same playerI hope I'm wrong. I'd love to be wrong. It would be great to be wrong, as I have been on many occasions in the past. (Remeber my "great things" feeling after that 4-0 Preseason champs in 2008? Yeah. I try to forget about that too.)<br />
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In this case, I'm going to have to agree and disagree with a good friend and fellow blogger, Ty over at <a href="http://www.thelionsinwinter.com/2011/08/lies-damned-lies-mikel-leshoures-career.html">The Lions in Winter</a>. I'm sure if <a href="http://www.lowerextremityreview.com/article/return-to-football-after-achilles-tendon-rupture">you haven't read this piece I've seen too many places to properly credit the original finder in regards to recovery rates from ACL ruptures, you will now</a>. The thing with any injury is that you are never the same - period. Where I take exception with Ty's take is that A. Brown of the Giants should be the case study to give us hope. While it is true that he could give an idea of the possibilites, there are other factors at play here that must be considered. <br />
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The foremost is NFL training and rehab facilities and trainers. Brown was not an elite college runner. He also, up until being the in the NFL, did not have that extra training to develop all the minor muscles in ways us amateurs miss. We bench press thinking it's upper body... but do we work the other severl hundred small muscles around the shoulders and back? Brown is not only coming back from injury, but benefitting from targeted, high level development and training. Over a two year period. For his job. These are things he did not have at near the same level -- meaning that this development is also tapping into untapped potential for burst, strength, speed that come from a focus on supporting muscle groups not just the primary ones. (although there was/is, I'm sure, plenty of work there too)<br />
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Of course, my same argument above is also what leads me to agree with Ty and that to say Leshure's careeer is over right now is just absurd. What we have to acknowledge is that it won't really start for one or two years. We won't see the final version of Leshure until the 2013 season, if we ever do. I just feel that he had less untapped potential than Brown as far as how developed physically he is -- in other words, he was already operating at a high level. Its more about can he get back there versus can he get there.<br />
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That same training facility, staff, and time most of all is something we must not underestimate in its impact. I'm going to quote an anonymous comment from Ty's Blog first: <br />
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<blockquote>Gang,<br />
Don't want to be a "downer," but I know first hand about ruptured Achilles tendons. I completely ruptured my left Achilles in late 2009, had surgery, and endured 3 months of physical therapy (three times a week), etc. I'm back to playing basketball in the driveway, shagging fly balls, playing catch, hiking, etc. However, I don't think I will ever be 100% again. The range of motion isn't the same, I have to stretch all the time, and am unable to push off the same as before the injury. Granted, I never went beyond HS athletics, but I can't see anyone being the same after this injury.</blockquote>In February I fell wrong on my shoulder and had to have surgery to fix my rotator cuff, a torn labrum, as well as a bone spur. I had the surgery in May and went to physical therapy a couple hours each morning at 5am three days a week for a month before heading off to work. At the end, I had okay strength back and near full mobility and was on my own. I'm still ever so slowly getting back into shape but its a rough road. I don't have near the strength or speed I had before the injury. <br />
Does this mean Matthew Stafford wasn't going to recover from his ifseason shoulder sugery? How is he doing so well? The difference is in the treatment.<br />
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I went 3 days a week for 2 hours to a physical therapy location. For one month. Matthew Stafford worked with multiple trainers doing shoulder and full upper body rehab and strengthening for 5 1/2 hours each day. For 3 months. <br />
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Starting to see the diffence? <br />
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This is their occupation, and Leshoure as a second round pick will have one full time job: healing and rehabilitiation. With sometimes more than one on one training/trainers. On the best equipment. For more hours in his first week than most of us regular joes would get total. <br />
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When it comes to injury and recovery, we can't compare our buddies ACL tear, or Achilles injury, or shoulder surgery outcome to what it will be for an NFL player. Will Stafford stay healthier now that he has strengthened and worked on all the little extra muscles I started to learn about in my short therapy window that should make him stronger and more durable? Only time will tell. <br />
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In regards to Leshoure, the only way to know whether or not he can recover is time. However, no matter the spin we like to put on it multiple sources say that a return to full power after an achilles injury simply does not happen. Not unless other factors (better training in the case of Brown) are helping compensate for what was lost fromt he injury. The real question is not will Leshoure come back -- When he comes back will he be enough of the back he was to be back in the backfield for the Lions? IF...DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-91874813076129190852011-08-04T14:46:00.000-04:002011-08-04T14:46:13.832-04:00Starters to Backups: LinebackerOf the many things we can say about how Martin Mayhew is building the Lions, one is that he drafts talent and shops free agents for need. He is also all about "value" - he isn't going to break the bank Millen style for that "one guy" if he has 5 or 6 or more holes. <br />
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Most significant in the Lions developing over the past two years since Mayhew took over is the trend of players who were starters transitioning to backups. Last year this process was done on the defensive line - Guys like Sammie Hill and Andre Fluellen who were starting became backups/rotational players. Guys like Landon Cohen, Shaun Cody, and Joe Cohen were shown the door. Now Sammie Hill is developing and blooming into a starting caliber tackle who is valuable in the rotation.<br />
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The sign of a good team is solid starters. The sign of a great team is depth. <br />
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This year, Mayhew took on the linebacker position. Despite the revolving injury door in the secondary, no position started more backup caliber players last season than at linebacker. Jordon Dizon was lost before the season and never even got a chance to show if he had anything. This was only significant because Levy was also injured most of last season. This left the Lions with about Paris Lenon level talent at MLB. <br />
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Yikes<br />
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What followed was Follett, Palmer, Havner, Johnson, Carpenter et al churning through at the position. Carpenter looked really good as he got comfortable. Palmer looked like a solid rotational guy. Everyone else played solid special teams. <br />
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Fast Forward to this truncated ifseason -- the Lions drafted Doug Hogue in the 5th, re-signed Carpenter, Levy is healthy and they added Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch. Palmer is also still on the roster -- along with a host of young tryouts and other guys trying to make a special teams roster spot. <br />
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In terms of 2010 to 2011 the starters are now backups, and there is very solid depth. Durant and Levy will man the outside spots, and Tulloch will hold down the middle. Levy will still be a 4 down LB as well as serving as the backup middle linebacker. No more Spencer Havner in the middle. +whew+<br />
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Backing up the outside spots will be Carpenter first (and I expect him to rotate in frequently), with Palmer next and Hogue mostly special teams and still learning. From the rest of the pile on the roster I expect them to keep Ekejiuba due to his special teams impact.<br />
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In other words, if the Lions lose both Tulloch or Durant they would be plugging in Carpenter. Even if they lose two of their three starters -- unless both Tulloch and Levy are injured -- they will still have a solid rotation and at the very least a starting caliber player at the ever important MLB position. <br />
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It is phenomenal to see where this team has gone since Martin Mayhew took over amidst the catastrophe of the 2008 0-16 season. Finally Lions players that are released or not re-signed are catching on -- and in some cases starting -- for other teams. To have come so far so fast is a testament to his abilities to create a plan that works and sticking with it. From starters to backups -- the Linebackers are looking like they will no longer be a liability this year. Especially with Detroit's defensive line. IF...DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8276344251743982154.post-92171222839952465452011-08-01T00:00:00.000-04:002011-08-01T00:00:34.201-04:00Roster Game, Set, Match?We used to play a game every ifseason called our roster "30 lock". The Lions were so untalented, it was actually difficult to figure who the starters would be, much less the backups and who would make the final roster. Churn was high. Talent was low. UDFA were the next savior of the franchise. Draft picks from rounds 1-5 were expected -- Needed -- to be quality starters. <br />
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As I sit after a few days of de-liquifying our home, just scanning over the Lions' new roster it hit me:<br />
This team is both talented, and at several points - there is depth. Honest to goodness depth! We're not talking about the kind of Matt Millen depth where there was a group of similarly talented players at a position - where one got injured and there was another, equally bad player, there to take his place. <br />
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No.<br />
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We are talking about starters ranging from solid to superstar at every position. We are talking about backups and rotational depth that can step in and step-up to maintain quality play. We are talking about an honest to goodness NFL roster! <br />
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Are we talking about a playoff roster? It's too early to tell. This is the ifseason, and while I'm growing more excited every day for this season full of new possibilities to start - I still hold the caution of "IF" What I do know is that for the first time in many years we Lions fans know for certain that we have a real NFL front office capable, willing, able, to assemble a real NFL roster. That alone gives the Lions a fighting chance each Sunday. <br />
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No more laughingstock of the league in Motown. Think we can handle watching a real NFL team in action? I know I'm ready!!<br />
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DetFan1979DetFan1979http://www.blogger.com/profile/02632685989381122197noreply@blogger.com3